Upcoming James Bond movie No Time to Die won't be going to streaming, but MGM wanted platforms to pay a hefty price for the film if it did. No Time to Die will feature Daniel Craig in his last turn as Bond. It marks the fifth time Craig has played the well-known spy, but the actor is looking to move on to other things. The film's plot is largely a mystery at this point, though Craig's departure from the franchise has led to some interesting theories. Unfortunately, audiences won't find out what happens in the end for several more months, as No Time to Die is currently set to release April 2, 2021.
That date is a result of the coronavirus pandemic and puts the movie roughly a full year past when it was at one time supposed to come out. Until this week, it was assumed No Time to Die would stick with a theatrical release, considering the cinematic nature of Bond films. However, this was called into question Friday, when reports emerged suggesting MGM was considering a streaming release for No Time to Die instead, with Netflix and Apple TV+ in the mix as potential buyers.
Now, a new article from Variety confirms the movie won't be going to streaming after all, but reveals how much money the studio was asking for in a possible deal. An MGM spokesperson explained, "We do not comment on rumors. The film is not for sale. The film’s release has been postponed until April 2021 in order to preserve the theatrical experience for moviegoers." Despite this statement, multiple insiders stated MGM was open to the idea of a streaming release and was looking for around $600 million, which some streamers found too expensive. In fact, further information from Deadline reveals none wanted to pay more than half the asking price and that Eon, as well as principal producer Barbara Broccoli, opposed the deal.
Even if No Time to Die is ultimately releasing in the way originally planned, this news will likely make theater owners and proponents of the theatrical experience nervous. The Bond film is a major blockbuster and part of an international franchise. The idea of it going to streaming would have seemed laughable a year ago. However, in the months since, many unexpected movies, like Disney's Mulan and Hamilton, have wound up forgoing a theatrical release, at least in the United States.
The future of theaters and streaming won't become completely clear until the pandemic is over, whenever that is. As of now, movie theaters are hanging on by a thread financially, with no promise of major films returning anytime soon. Movies like Wonder Woman 1984 may serve as a make or break moment for the theater industry. As of now, those behind the film are committed to a theatrical release. However, the news about No Time to Die shows that's far from a guarantee.
Source: Variety, Deadline
