There could be a major shake-up for Amazon’s James Bond as reports suggest the franchise may shift production north.
According to The Sun, future 007 scenes could be filmed in Liverpool due to a filming ban expected in central London next year.
“This will no doubt irk Bond purists who already fear Amazon taking over the 007 franchise may lead to them making big changes,” a source told the paper.
“But Liverpool is a well-known alternative to London for film-makers.”
"It has appeared in everything from The Batman to Captain America and Harry Potter movies, doubling up as international cities.”
The source added that while filming may move, this doesn’t mean the story will be set in Liverpool — rather that “the outline of the Liver Building could replace the rooftops of Whitehall”.
The franchise is also facing another major change, with a new Bond still to be cast following the departure of longtime producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli earlier this year, and Amazon’s acquisition of MGM Studios.
Reports suggest 007 — last played by Daniel Craig in 2021’s No Time To Die — will undergo a significant transformation, with plans to take the character back several decades.
Actor Daniel Mays claimed the reboot would feature a "very young" new star and focus on the character's early years.
Speaking on the We’re Not Getting Any Younger podcast, he said: “Bond is a big deal right, that going to Amazon… I heard a rumour they’re going to cast someone very young and go sort of back to the origins.”
“They’re going to sort of ’60s, you’re going to have all the retro cars and that sort of stuff — and start again. I think that would be kind of cool.”
Top contenders for the new role include The White Lotus’ Theo James, Marvel’s Aaron Taylor-Johnson, The Crown’s Josh O’Connor and Emily In Paris’ Lucien Laviscount.
There’s also the question of who will sing the next theme song, with talk of Adele potentially returning to the franchise twelve years after her Oscar-winning Skyfall, while BRITs sensation Raye and Geordie rocker Sam Fender lead the bookmakers' lists.
According to recent odds from Betfred, Raye currently leads the pack at 8/11 following her historic six-award sweep at this year's BRITs.
Hot on her heels is Sam Fender at 9/4, whose cinematic rock sound and third consecutive number one album People Watching have made him a fan favourite.
