I just came across something very, very interesting indeed regarding James Bond. I know I shouldn’t just blog about the first video I come across on Youtube on a given day, but I think this one is worth a watch. In it, the dude explains that the Bond franchise is due to enter the public domain in about ten years: that means that, rather than being confined to EON and the official Bond films, just about anyone will be able to make a film based around the character. Whereas we currently have to wait for official Bond films, other studios and directors will be able to use the character. Obviously, the danger of that is that a lot of crap will be made, but I must admit part of me finds the prospect intriguing.

I suppose over the last sixty years James Bond has become part of our culture and a bit of a tradition. As I wrote here, we’re used to going to see a new Bond film at the cinema every few years before discussing it with our friends. But could it be time for that to change? ‘All good things’ and all that. Opening the Bond character out gives rise to endless possibilities: Black Bonds; gay Bonds; even Bonds with disabilities. Naturally, a lot of crap stands to be made, lacking a shred of the quality or professionalism of the ‘official’ Bond films; yet I must admit the concept of seeing a franchise and character we’re all so used to taken in a plethora of new directions intrigues me. After all, keeping any intellectual or artistic property in the hands of a select few people means it will inevitably eventually stagnate; but opening it up to as many creative minds as possible will inject it with fresh creative vigour.