Deal to sell James Bond film No Time to Die to streaming services for Rs 4400 crore was ‘overtly’ explored: report | Hollywood - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Deal to sell James Bond film No Time to Die to streaming services for Rs 4400 crore was ‘overtly’ explored: report

Hindustan Times | By
Oct 25, 2020 11:32 AM IST

Netflix and Apple were among the streaming platforms interested in purchasing rights to Daniel Craig’s final James Bond film, No Time to Die. But MGM wanted $600 million for it.

Netflix and Apple were among the streaming platforms interested in taking Daniel Craig’s final James Bond film -- No Time to Die -- off MGM’s hands after repeated delays in its release. The film, originally slated for an April 2020 release was pushed back to November, and has now been moved to April 2021, because of the coronavirus pandemic’s impact on theatres.

Daniel Craig and Lea Seydoux in a still from No Time to Die.
Daniel Craig and Lea Seydoux in a still from No Time to Die.

Variety reports that the studio was asking for $600 million (Rs 4400 crore) to offload the picture. While MGM denied the reports, Variety said that rival studios are claiming that the deal was ‘overtly’ explored.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

During this period, studios such as Sony and Paramount have successfully sold major films such as Greyhound and Coming 2 America to streaming platforms. In India, Amitabh Bachchan’s Gulabo Sitabo was among the first films to forego a theatrical release in favour of a direct-to-OTT debut. His son Abhishek Bachchan’s Ludo and The Big Bull are slated to release on Netflix and Disney+ Hotstar, respectively.

“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,” an MGM spokesperson told Variety.

Also read: James Bond producer on who can be Daniel Craig’s replacement: ‘Doesn’t have to be white, unlikely to be woman’

No Time to Die, directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga, was reportedly produced for $250 million. According to the report, MGM has already lost between $30 million and $50 million because of the delay. “It’s unclear if producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, who exert control of the series through their company Eon, would sign off on the deal,” the report noted, adding that Universal Pictures, which owns the international distribution rights for the film, would have to be fully compensated.

Follow @htshowbiz for more

Explore the art deco structures of Mumbai through a heritage walk with HT! Participate now.

Get more updates from Bollywood, Hollywood, Music and Web Series along with Latest Entertainment News at Hindustan Times.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On