Amazon Prime Video Withdraws Altered James Bond Posters After Public Outcry

Amazon Prime Video has taken down modified posters of classic James Bond films following widespread backlash over the removal of the franchise’s iconic guns from promotional artwork. The controversy erupted after fans noticed that several new posters on Prime Video UK featured gun-free versions of the 007 character, sparking accusations of “censorship” and “cultural revisionism.”

In the updated visuals, Bond’s signature Walther PPK pistol — a symbol synonymous with the character since his cinematic debut — was digitally erased. In one example, Sean Connery’s gun in Dr. No was removed entirely, while in the GoldenEye poster, Pierce Brosnan’s weapon was cropped out. A View to a Kill image even appeared to stretch Roger Moore’s pose to conceal the firearm, altering the original composition of the classic artwork.

The edits drew strong reactions online, especially as the incident coincided with James Bond Day on October 5. Writer Scott McCrea called the move “cultural vandalism,” while actor Rufus Jones mocked the altered imagery, joking that it made Bond appear to be making a rude gesture instead of holding a gun. Social media users accused Amazon of undermining the legacy of one of cinema’s most enduring spy icons.

Following the backlash, Prime Video reportedly replaced the altered posters with new visuals that feature stills from the films, though these too avoid showing firearms. The streaming platform, which owns the Bond catalog through its acquisition of MGM, has not issued an official statement addressing the controversy.

The episode has reignited debate over modern reinterpretations of classic media. Fans and critics alike argue that while efforts to adapt legacy franchises for contemporary audiences are understandable, erasing defining elements risks diminishing the authenticity and historical identity of cultural icons like James Bond.