George Lazenby, the one-time James Bond, steps out in Santa Monica as Amazon takes control of the iconic 007 franchise, sparking speculation about the future of Bond.

George Lazenby, best known for his one-time role as James Bond, was seen enjoying a rare public outing in Santa Monica last Thursday.

The 85-year-old Australian actor, who played the iconic British spy in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, was casually dressed in a red fleece-lined hoodie, a blue polo shirt, black slacks, black sneakers, and a navy-blue baseball cap emblazoned with “2024.”

Lazenby’s low-key stroll through the sunny streets comes on the heels of major developments in the James Bond franchise, particularly Amazon Prime Video’s acquisition of control over the 007 legacy.

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This public sighting coincided with news that Amazon had spent over $1 billion to take full control of the James Bond franchise, following its earlier purchase of MGM Studios for a whopping $8.5 billion.

The tech giant’s move has shaken up the entertainment world, with many speculating about what this means for the future of the iconic spy series.

Lazenby’s appearance, at a time when the Bond legacy is under new ownership, has added an extra layer of intrigue to an already charged moment in Hollywood.

Lazenby’s casting as James Bond came in 1969, when he was chosen to replace Sean Connery in the role. Despite his relatively short stint as the famed secret agent, Lazenby’s portrayal in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service remains a memorable moment in Bond history.

The film, which was the only one in the series directed by Peter R. Hunt, is now considered a classic, though it was not initially a commercial hit.

Lazenby’s portrayal earned him a Golden Globe nomination for Most Promising Newcomer, and the film earned $82 million worldwide from a modest budget of $7 million.

However, Lazenby’s time as Bond was brief. After filming On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, Lazenby was offered a seven-film contract to continue playing the role.

Despite this, he famously turned down the offer, citing his belief that the Bond films would become outdated as the 1970s’ counterculture movement took hold.

His agent, Ronan O’Rahilly, persuaded him that the Bond franchise would soon lose its relevance, and Lazenby eventually regretted walking away from the role.

After Connery returned to the role in 1971 for Diamonds Are Forever—a move that reportedly earned him a $1.25 million paycheck—Lazenby’s decision was seen by many as a missed opportunity.

The Australian actor went on to appear in a range of films, including The Man from Hong Kong, Fox Hunt, and Gettysburg, but none of his post-Bond roles garnered the same level of fame as his portrayal of 007.

Lazenby also made appearances on television in shows like Baywatch, Diagnosis Murder, Kung Fu: The Legend Continues, and General Hospital.

Despite his modest acting career, Lazenby remained a figure in Bond-related media, attending fan conventions and reflecting on his role in the series.

In recent years, Lazenby has embraced his status as a Bond icon, and in 2017, a documentary titled Becoming Bond was released, detailing his life and career, focusing on his brief but significant time as the world’s most famous spy.

Lazenby’s public life, however, has not been without controversy.

In 2019, he faced backlash after making inappropriate remarks about his past relationships, which led to him apologizing and stepping down from public appearances in certain Bond-related events.

While Lazenby’s time as Bond was relatively short, his impact on the franchise has remained. Fans of the actor continue to honor his portrayal of the spy, and his rare public outings continue to capture attention, especially now as the Bond legacy shifts to Amazon’s control.

The new ownership has raised questions about the future direction of the franchise, with speculation swirling about how Amazon will reshape the iconic spy series in the streaming era.

The shift in the James Bond franchise’s control coincides with the ongoing success of other spy-related content, like the Mission: Impossible series and the rise of spy thrillers in television.

With Amazon now in charge, there are questions about whether the beloved franchise will be adapted for streaming or whether it will continue to focus on blockbuster films.

Some fans have expressed concern that the shift in ownership could change the Bond character or alter the core of the franchise that has made it a household name for decades.

Lazenby’s appearance in Santa Monica may seem like a simple stroll, but it serves as a reminder of the lasting legacy he helped create in the Bond universe.

As Amazon’s acquisition of the Bond franchise continues to make waves, Lazenby’s role in that legacy remains a point of discussion for fans and insiders alike.

His thoughts on the future of the franchise, should he choose to speak about it, could provide valuable insight into how Bond’s past intersects with its future under new ownership.

As the future of James Bond unfolds under Amazon’s control, one thing is clear: Lazenby’s place in the franchise’s history is secure.

Whether or not his involvement in future Bond-related projects will come to fruition remains to be seen, but his legacy as the one-time 007 continues to capture the imagination of fans, old and new.