After Amazon takeover: James Bond's casting director quits

The James Bond series is experiencing its next turning point following its takeover by the tech company Amazon . The long-time casting director of the 007 films, Debbie McWilliams, has announced her departure after more than 40 years. She told the industry magazine "Screen International" this.

"I've hung up my casting hat and am now concentrating on other film projects," said McWilliams, who was involved in the selection of the three James Bond actors Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig . She will not help select the next actor to take on the role of the famous secret agent.

McWilliams stressed that she had already made her decision before it was announced last week that long-time Bond producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson were handing over creative control of the franchise to Amazon. Nevertheless, she expressed regret about the move.

"When I look at Amazon's films so far, I'm not very enthusiastic," she said. "If they change the nature of Bond, they risk alienating a huge audience."

After the takeover was announced, Amazon boss Jeff Bezos asked his followers on the short message service X who they wanted to be the next Bond. Debbie McWilliams doesn't think much of it. "Finding the right actor for the role is a huge task - and I certainly wouldn't leave it to the users of X."

As a casting director, McWilliams has been involved in almost every James Bond film since 1981's For Your Eyes Only. For many of the actors she cast, including 007 actor Craig, Famke Janssen ("GoldenEye") and Mads Mikkelsen ("Casino Royale"), it was the start of a Hollywood career.

Debbie McWilliams was also responsible for the casting of the Monty Python film “The Meaning of Life” (1983) - and for the British film classic “My Wonderful Laundrette” (1985), which launched the film career of three-time Oscar winner Daniel Day-Lewis (“Lincoln”).