For a moment, it seemed like James Bond had become the enemy of the people. I’m February, Amazon MGM Studios announced it had acquired the character's rights from the Broccoli family of producers, who had overseen the superspy for most the hero's cinematic lifespan.

In the 50-plus years of James Bond, the wait between films has never gone longer than six years. The next entry, and first since Daniel Craig's dramatic exit, may test that — but things are speeding up.

Amazon MGM Studios announced earlier this year that it had gained creative control over the Bond franchise after a family had held those duties for more than 60 years.