Amazon recently faced backlash for removing guns from several iconic James Bond posters featured on its Prime Video platform. The digital artwork was meant to celebrate James Bond Day but sparked controversy instead. Fans criticized the decision, arguing it sanitized the beloved franchise.
Details of the Controversy
The altered posters included significant images from the Bond series, showcasing renowned actors such as Sean Connery and Daniel Craig. The changes occurred after Amazon MGM Studios acquired the franchise for over $1 billion in February.
Images Affected
- Sean Connery: A famous portrait from “Dr. No” was edited to remove the Walther PPK.
- Daniel Craig: A teaser poster for “Spectre” cropped out the gun he held.
- Roger Moore: An image from “Live and Let Die” removed the .44 Magnum from his hand.
These edits struck many fans as excessive, especially given James Bond’s long-standing association with firearms. Criticism of the new artwork quickly proliferated on social media, labeling it as “woke.” Publications like the Sun and the Daily Mail echoed this sentiment.
Amazon’s Response
In light of the backlash, Amazon acted swiftly. The company removed the controversial posters and replaced them with more classical images from the films. Despite the change, these new images also did not feature firearms.
Amazon has yet to provide a formal comment on the incident, but it is clear that the decision to alter the iconic imagery did not sit well with many fans of the franchise. This incident highlights ongoing debates surrounding media representation and cultural sensitivity.
