Amazon Faces Backlash After Removing Guns From James Bond Movie art
Los Angeles, CA - Amazon Prime Video ignited a controversy this week after unveiling altered artwork for the James Bond film collection, conspicuously removing firearms from iconic promotional images. The changes, initially spotted on James bond Day, prompted immediate criticism from fans who accused the streaming giant of revising a core element of the franchise’s identity.
The alterations ranged from subtle Photoshopping - leaving Sean Connery and Pierce brosnan appearing to hold nothing in promotional posters for Dr. No and Goldeneye, respectively – to more drastic edits. Reports indicate Roger Moore’s physique was digitally altered on the Live and Let Die cover, and his arms were unnaturally lengthened on A View to a Kill to conceal a weapon.
The move quickly drew a sharp reaction online, with some expressing disbelief and others labeling the changes as “woke” censorship. Following the uproar, Amazon quietly updated the thumbnails to utilize stills from the films themselves, though observant fans noted these images were also devoid of guns. even a still from Skyfall appears to have undergone further editing to eliminate a firearm.
As of today, Amazon has not responded to requests for comment regarding the alterations. The incident highlights the ongoing debate surrounding depictions of violence in media and the potential for streaming services to reshape established franchises. The James Bond series, known for its action and espionage, has historically featured firearms as integral to the character and storylines, dating back to Ian Fleming’s original novels in 1953.