AceShowbiz - Following news of James Bond changing hands from longtime producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson to Jeff Bezos and his studio Amazon MGM, former 007 actors like Daniel Craig and Timothy Dalton weighed in on this significant shift in the franchise.

"I was very, very surprised and shocked," Dalton said. "Barbara is I think a fabulous woman and a wonderful producer, as was her father Cubby Broccoli, who I got on with very well and liked a lot."

Dalton played the legendary spy in "The Living Daylights" (1987) and "License to Kill" (1989). He was cautious about the impact of the changes on the iconic franchise, reflecting on his experience when it was still under the control of the Broccoli family, "He was well in charge of the show and that's not so anymore."

Despite his concerns, Timothy Dalton remains hopeful. Urging Amazon to stay true to the original character, he said, "I hope Amazon latch onto that and give us the kind of film that's brought so much excitement and fun to so many people."

Amazon's newfound control has elicited mixed reactions among 007 aficionados. The Post's entertainment critic Johnny Oleksinski labeled the deal "the death of an iconic brand," predicting a deluge of "forgettable Bond television series and spin-off films."

On social media, fans echoed these sentiments, imploring Amazon not to dilute the character with an overabundance of content.

However, not everyone sees the change through a cynical lens. Daniel Craig, who portrayed Bond from 2006 to 2021, offered a heartfelt statement to Variety, praising Broccoli and Wilson for their past work and feeling genuine happiness for Wilson's well-deserved retirement and Broccoli's future endeavours.

Craig, who starred in blockbuster hits like "Casino Royale" and "Skyfall," seems optimistic about the future of the franchise.

"My respect, admiration and love for Barbara and Michael remain constant and undiminished," Craig stated. "I wish Michael a long, relaxing (and well-deserved) retirement, and whatever ventures Barbara goes on to do, I know they will be spectacular and I hope I can be part of them."

The scenario leaves one significant question unanswered: who will be the next James Bond? Before the transition, Aaron-Taylor Johnson seemed like a contender, but now it's anyone's guess. Even Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos seems chipper, taking to Instagram to ask fans who should step into Bond's shoes, generating a wave of suggestions including Henry Cavill.

As the James Bond franchise enters this new phase, only time will tell if Amazon's stewardship will uphold or undermine the legacy of one of cinema's most enduring heroes. Until then, Bond fans around the world will be anxiously watching.