Amazon Quietly Erases Guns From James Bond Posters — Fans Take Notice

Amazon Prime has thrilled spy movie fans by relaunching the entire James Bond film catalog for streaming — but an unexpected design choice has sparked curiosity and debate. Viewers eager to revisit 007’s iconic adventures noticed that in Amazon’s promotional artwork, one signature Bond accessory is missing: his gun.

A Subtle, but Striking Change

To mark the return of the decades-spanning franchise, Amazon released a celebratory graphic featuring thumbnail images of every Bond film and the actors who have played the legendary spy. But eagle-eyed fans quickly spotted something unusual. In several posters, the weapon once held by Bond — typically a semi-automatic pistol — has been edited out.

Sometimes the omission leaves the character holding an empty hand in an odd pose. In other cases, like the artwork for Spectre, the image has simply been cropped so the firearm is no longer visible.

While Amazon hasn’t issued an explanation, the quiet removal appears to be part of a deliberate visual choice — possibly aligning with broader efforts by streaming platforms to present less weapon-focused promotional imagery.

A New Era for Bond

The timing of this redesign is notable. Amazon acquired MGM, the longtime studio home of James Bond, in 2021 in an $8.45 billion deal. That move gave Amazon a direct hand in shaping the future of the iconic franchise. The next Bond film is already in development, with acclaimed director Denis Villeneuve set to helm and Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight writing the screenplay.

The decision to alter historic promotional images, however, has sparked debate among fans. Some see it as a harmless modernization of marketing materials. Others view it as a surprising rewrite of Bond’s instantly recognizable visual identity — one where a sleek pistol and sharp tuxedo have long been part of the character’s silhouette.

Fans React

Online forums and social media threads have filled with comments about the change. Some fans expressed amusement at the awkward hand positions left behind, while others questioned whether iconic imagery should be edited for new audiences.

Still, the movies themselves remain untouched. The classic Bond action — and his famous Walther PPK — remain intact on screen.

Reinventing 007 for the Future

As Amazon steers the next chapter of the Bond franchise, its visual marketing may signal an effort to refresh the character’s image for a new generation. Whether audiences embrace this change or miss the familiar gun-toting pose, one thing is certain: James Bond continues to evolve, even in the smallest details — right down to what he’s holding in his hand.