Amazon Prime Video faced significant backlash from fans after altering James Bond artwork by removing images of 007’s gun. The changes were first spotted on the Prime Video U.K. website last week, where artwork for the franchise depicted Bond without his iconic firearm.
Backlash Over Edited James Bond Artwork
In various film images, the famed Walther PPK was either airbrushed or cropped out entirely. This included instances from classics like Dr. No and GoldenEye. In one particular artwork from A View to a Kill, Roger Moore’s arms appeared to be digitally altered, making it look like his gun had been removed from the frame.
Social Media Reactions
The censored images quickly attracted criticism online. Many fans viewed this move as a metaphorical disarmament of the franchise under Amazon’s stewardship. Some users went so far as to mock the new portrayals, claiming that they made it appear as if Bond was making an inappropriate gesture.
- John A. Douglas shared a humorous take on Twitter, mentioning that the images raised concerns about what Amazon’s ownership could mean for 007.
- Actor Rufus Jones also chimed in, suggesting that the altered posters give off an unintended impression.
Changes Made Following Reactions
In response to the mounting criticism and the upcoming James Bond Day on October 5, Prime Video U.K. quietly removed the edited artwork. The company replaced it with stills from each film; however, none of these images featured Bond holding his weapon.
Future of the Franchise
The controversy surrounding the artwork has led fans to speculate about the future direction of the James Bond series, especially with a new film reportedly in the works. Denis Villeneuve is slated to direct the upcoming installment, but the recent backlash raises questions about the handling of such a beloved franchise.
Despite the widespread discussion, Amazon Prime Video has opted not to comment on the matter. For many, the situation illustrates a potential shift in how iconic characters may be portrayed moving forward.
