Will the New James Bond Embrace Hi-Tech Gadgets in an Age of AI? A Complex Legacy of Technology in the Franchise
By Christopher Holliday, Senior Lecturer, King’s College London
Published: August 4, 2025
As the development of the 26th James Bond film gets underway at Amazon Studios, speculation is rife about how the iconic British spy will be portrayed in an era dominated by artificial intelligence and rapid technological advancements. Steven Knight, creator of Peaky Blinders, has been tapped to write the screenplay, with acclaimed director Denis Villeneuve set to helm the project. Both have been tight-lipped about what audiences can expect, though Knight describes his vision as “the same but different,” and Villeneuve promises to “honour the tradition” of the storied franchise.
Yet, looking back over the six decades since James Bond first sallied forth with his trademark gadgets in Dr No (1962), it’s clear that the franchise’s relationship with technology has been far from straightforward. The ways in which Bond’s gadgetry has been used not only reflect the cultural and political zeitgeist of their time but have also fluctuated in tune with the influence of other blockbuster franchises and changes in lead actors.
Bond’s Technological Toolkit: A Rollercoaster of Innovation and Simplicity
The early Bond films starring Sean Connery introduced audiences to a world where spy gadgets were part of the charm—exotic and often ingenious tools aiding Bond as he battled global threats. The mid-1960s, for instance, included narratives inspired by real-world tensions such as the US-Soviet space race, evident in You Only Live Twice (1967) featuring a hijacked space capsule and a villain’s volcano lair.
However, when George Lazenby took over the mantle in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969), the focus shifted dramatically. This film emphasized Bond’s emotional vulnerability and personal relationships, with a notable de-emphasis of technological gadgetry. Author Ian Fleming, who concurrently wrote the novel on which the film was based, seemed to critique the cinematic Bond’s growing reliance on gadgets, preferring a more grounded approach.
This push and pull between technological excess and pared-back realism would become a recurring motif. Roger Moore’s tenure in the 1970s saw a gradual increase in reliance on hi-tech devices, reaching a peak with Moonraker (1979), where Bond famously ventured into space—a clear nod to the science-fiction blockbuster Star Wars. Yet, economic realities and changing tastes led to films like For Your Eyes Only (1981), which returned to a more grounded espionage style, eschewing lavish effects and expensive gadgetry.
From the Information Age to the Era of CGI
The 1980s and 1990s introduced new technological anxieties into the films, with Timothy Dalton’s portrayal leaning into gritty spycraft and Pierce Brosnan’s GoldenEye (1995) embracing cyberterrorism and emerging internet cultures. However, Brosnan’s final outing, Die Another Day (2002), has been regarded as the franchise’s nadir by many, in part due to its over-the-top digital effects and an invisibility-capable Aston Martin that many felt clashed with the post-9/11 cinematic sensibilities favoring realism and grit.
Daniel Craig’s entrance with Casino Royale (2006) marked a definitive pivot. The franchise deliberately distanced itself from gadget-heavy plots and computer-generated storied sequences, aiming instead for authenticity and physical stunt work. Notably, the beloved gadget master ‘Q’ was absent until Skyfall (2012), where he quipped that they "don’t really go in for that anymore"—signaling a streamlined approach to technology on screen.
What Lies Ahead for Bond in the AI Era?
With another reboot on the horizon and a new actor stepping into 007’s shoes, questions abound about how Bond will navigate a world where artificial intelligence, digital surveillance, and automated technologies raise fresh ethical and practical dilemmas. Villeneuve’s directing experience with thought-provoking science fiction (Arrival, Blade Runner 2049, Dune) suggests the possibility of a Bond film deeply engaging with contemporary technological themes.
On the other hand, the franchise’s historical patterns suggest that a new lead actor might also herald a return to the basics—gritty, character-driven storytelling that eschews flashy gadgets in favor of raw suspense and human ingenuity. Given current cultural ambivalence toward AI and technology—both fascination and fear—the filmmakers face a delicate balancing act in modernizing Bond while preserving the essence that has captured audiences for over sixty years.
Whether the next James Bond will navigate AI-infused gadgets or retreat to a more stripped-back spycraft remains to be seen. Regardless, embracing or resisting technology has always been part of the franchise’s tradition—and that tradition promises to continue adapting with the times.
To read more about Bond’s evolving relationship with technology, visit The Conversation UK.
