As the ink is drying on the Amazon/MGM deal, James Bond is heading to the streamer much sooner than anyone would expect.
Variety has revealed the studio has greenlit a 007 spin-off for the first time ever in the form of an unscripted race round the world. More surprisingly, franchise gatekeepers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson will be involved as producers.
The eight-part series will be produced by 72 Films (All or Nothing: Tottenham Hotspur) and will be part of a strong list of original unscripted UK shows like Clarkson’s Farm.
In another surprising twist, sources told the US trade that the project has been in development for roughly four years, long before the MGM acquisition and wouldn’t be part of any other project coming from the $8.5 billion deal.
As for the show itself, titled 007’s Road to a Million, will be a global adventure with a prize of £1 million ($1.3 million) going to the winner. It will be filmed in multiple iconic Bond locations. It will test the contestants – in teams of two – intelligence and endurance having to pass physical obstacles as they must answer hidden questions in different locations around the world to progress to the next round.
Speaking about the show, 72 Films CEO David Glover said, “I first had this idea over three years ago. Dan Grabiner and the U.K. Originals team took it to a whole other level. To be working with Michael Wilson and Barbara Broccoli and the Bond franchise is a privilege and a dream come true.”
Again I am surprised this would be the first thing Broccoli and Wilson would greenlight, but I think it has the potential to be a massively popular show, especially with Bond fans watching and seeing if they’d be better.
Also if you think this is up your street and fancy testing yourself, you can apply here.
The Bear Cave 