James Bond 25: Does THIS prove a shared movie and TV universe is on the way?

For over 50 years the James Bond franchise has produced 24 cinematic movies, with the 25th now set for 2019.

While the format hasn’t changed, Hollywood has – with it’s blockbuster shared universes like Disney’s Marvel and Star Wars and Warner Bros’ DC.

Earlier this summer a rumour sprouted that a shared universe for the Bond franchise could be on the way.

Now the Hollywood Reporter says digital giants Apple and Amazon have entered the race to buy the 007 rights.

For the last couple of years MGM have been looking for a new deal with Sony, Universal, Fox and Warners in the mix, but now Apple and Amazon are joining the fight.

Apparently having these two involved means that more than just movies could be on the cards.

From sources, The Hollywood Reporter reckons that Apple want to “acquire full ownership to exploit Bond’s largely unmined TV potential.”

One insider said: “In the world of Lucasfilm and Marvel, Bond feels really underdeveloped.”

Assuming the Bond producers did embrace a shared universe, there could be solo outings for the likes of Q, Moneypenny and Felix Leiter.

James Bond 25 will be released in UK cinemas in early November 2019.