Alright, let’s be real. In the ever-spinning carousel of Hollywood deals, few have generated as much buzz, anticipation, and let’s just say, a little head-scratching, as Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s astronomical pact with Amazon. This isn’t just about money; it’s about the promise of pure, unadulterated genius from a talent who redefined dark comedy and made us fall in love with a hot priest. When the ink dried on that reported $100 million deal, Tinseltown (and frankly, the rest of us) collectively held its breath, wondering what dazzling, darkly witty, and undeniably unique stories she would conjure next for the streaming giant.
Fast forward a few years, and the landscape looks… different. The narrative surrounding this “golden handcuffs” agreement has twisted and turned, revealing more about the inner workings of mega-deals than perhaps Amazon initially intended. It’s a story brimming with creative aspirations, big-budget gambles, and the sometimes-harsh realities of delivering on sky-high expectations in an industry constantly hungry for the next big thing. And let’s be honest, we’re all a little nosy about it, aren’t we? What exactly has come of this landmark deal, and why does Hollywood feel so utterly confused?
So, grab your favorite beverage, settle in, and let’s pull back the curtain on the Phoebe Waller-Bridge Amazon odyssey. We’re going to dissect the milestones, the missteps, and the tantalizing hints of what’s still to come from one of the most distinctive creative voices of our time. It’s a wild ride, and like any good Waller-Bridge creation, it’s full of unexpected turns and plenty of fodder for sharp commentary.
1. **The $100 Million Amazon ‘Golden Handcuffs’ Deal: Its Genesis and the Sky-High Expectations**Imagine you’re Amazon in 2019. *Fleabag* just swept the Emmys, and its creator, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, is the hottest commodity in entertainment. Her blend of sharp writing, magnetic performance, and utterly distinctive voice is exactly what every streamer is clamoring for. So, what do you do? You open the vault. Amazon reportedly paid Phoebe Waller-Bridge a staggering $100 million, signing a ‘golden handcuffs’ deal with her in 2019. This wasn’t just a handshake agreement; it was a clear statement of intent, a declaration that Amazon was all-in on her unique brand of storytelling.
The term ‘golden handcuffs’ typically refers to a studio locking an artist into an exclusive agreement, securing their talent and preventing them from working with rivals. At the time, this deal looked like the savviest move Amazon could make, ensuring that the creative force behind one of the decade’s most acclaimed shows would be churning out content exclusively for them. The expectations were, quite frankly, astronomical, not just from Amazon but from a global audience desperate for more of Waller-Bridge’s singular genius. This was meant to be the start of a prolific, groundbreaking partnership that would define Amazon’s creative output for years to come.
Jennifer Salke, then head of Amazon Studios, gushed about the acquisition, stating that Waller-Bridge was “clever, brilliant, generous and a virtuoso on multiple fronts including writing, acting and producing.” Salke added, “We are excited for what comes next from this brilliant mind to dazzle and delight our global audience.” This sentiment perfectly captured the industry’s mood: pure excitement and an almost boundless anticipation for whatever Waller-Bridge would touch next. The blank cheque, it seemed, was well deserved, and fans were ready for a feast.
2. **The *Fleabag* Emmy Triumph and Amazon’s Swift Move**To understand the magnitude of Amazon’s investment, one must recall the *Fleabag* phenomenon. Waller-Bridge’s series, with its dark, toe-curlingly awkward humor and relatably hapless protagonist, struck a chord with critics and audiences alike. It wasn’t just good; it was groundbreaking, innovative, and deeply personal. So when *Fleabag* took home a stunning six Emmys, including Outstanding Comedy Series, Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series, and Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series, the industry’s focus immediately zeroed in on its brilliant creator.
Amazon wasted no time. It closed on the deal with Waller-Bridge less than 48 hours after her series cleaned up at the Emmys. This swift, decisive action underscored the urgency and perceived value of securing her talent. The timing was impeccable, striking while the iron—and Waller-Bridge’s critical acclaim—was scorching hot. It was a move designed to capitalize on her immediate success and ensure she wouldn’t be lured away by competing studios who undoubtedly wanted a piece of her pie.
The deal stipulated that Waller-Bridge would create and produce television content for the streamer, though it must not have specified a minimum output, a detail that would become a central talking point years later. The sense of momentum was palpable, a feeling that Amazon had just won the creative lottery. Fans of *Fleabag* were equally thrilled, envisioning a future filled with the kind of sharp, insightful, and utterly hilarious storytelling that only Waller-Bridge could deliver. The world was her oyster, and Amazon had provided the biggest shell.
3. **The *Octopus!* Documentary: The Sole Amazon Output (Initially)**Given the fanfare and the nine-figure sum, one might expect a deluge of scripted series and films from Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s Amazon deal. Yet, for a significant period, the sole project that emerged directly from this lucrative partnership was a two-part documentary about an octopus. Yes, an octopus. Titled *Octopus!*, it was slated for release on May 8th. While certainly a fascinating subject, it was hardly the gritty, witty, character-driven drama or comedy that fans had been ravenously awaiting from the *Fleabag* creator.
This single output, while perhaps a passion project for Waller-Bridge, stood in stark contrast to the colossal investment Amazon had made. For many, it felt like an unexpected, even bewildering, choice for the first and, for a long time, only tangible result of a deal designed to secure a prolific writer and producer of television content. It begged the question: was this what Amazon truly envisioned when they signed her, or was there more happening behind the scenes that wasn’t translating into new series?
For a creative mind as sharp and multifaceted as Waller-Bridge’s, a documentary about marine life is certainly within the realm of possibility. However, its isolation as the initial output amplified the growing questions about the deal’s productivity. It became a symbol of the quiet period, a placeholder in the vast, empty space where many had anticipated a string of new, scripted Amazon Originals. It definitely wasn’t what Hollywood expected as the first deliverable from their golden girl.
4. **The *Mr & Mrs Smith* Series Departure**One of the most highly anticipated projects under the Amazon deal was a series adaptation of *Mr & Mrs Smith*, where Phoebe Waller-Bridge was initially set to write and star alongside none other than Donald Glover. The pairing was electric—two of the most innovative and acclaimed voices in television joining forces to reimagine a popular film. It felt like a perfect match, promising a fresh, edgy take on the spy-thriller-rom-com genre, infused with their signature wit and style.
However, the dream team quickly dissolved. It was announced that Waller-Bridge had left the project in 2021, with reports citing alleged creative differences between her and Glover. Ultimately, Glover reportedly got his way, and Waller-Bridge departed, with Maya Erskine stepping in to play her role. This was a significant blow to the initial excitement surrounding her Amazon output, as it represented a high-profile project that failed to launch with her involvement, despite the initial buzz.
Her departure highlighted the complexities of creative partnerships, even between highly respected talents. It signaled that even with a blank cheque and a massive deal, creative autonomy and vision could lead to an impasse. For Amazon, it meant losing their star writer and actress from what was meant to be a flagship series, further contributing to the narrative that her deal was not yielding the expected results. The *Mr & Mrs Smith* saga became an early indicator that Waller-Bridge’s path at Amazon would be anything but straightforward.
5. **Contributing to *No Time to Die* (James Bond): A High-Stakes Sideline**While her Amazon projects faced delays and departures, Phoebe Waller-Bridge was certainly not idle. She ventured outside the Amazon wheelhouse, lending her considerable talent to one of cinema’s most iconic franchises: James Bond. Waller-Bridge was brought in to help write the screenplay for Daniel Craig’s final Bond foray, *No Time to Die* (2021). This was a major coup, as her sharp dialogue and ability to craft compelling female characters were seen as a perfect fit for revitalizing the long-running series.
Her involvement generated considerable excitement, with many speculating she would inject a much-needed contemporary edge and wit into the Bond universe. Barbara Broccoli, a longstanding James Bond producer, reportedly even chased her to direct the next 007 film, though this was not confirmed. This work outside of her Amazon commitments showcased her continued demand and versatility in Hollywood, proving her value far beyond any single streaming deal.
Her contribution to *No Time to Die* was a testament to her continued influence and reputation as a top-tier writer. It allowed her to explore a different creative muscle, demonstrating her ability to navigate massive studio productions while simultaneously navigating the unique challenges of her Amazon arrangement. This high-profile gig was a clear indication that, despite the quiet on the Amazon front, Waller-Bridge remained a highly sought-after talent, actively shaping major cinematic narratives.
6. **Starring in *Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny*: An Adventure Beyond Amazon**Adding another iconic franchise to her growing resume, Phoebe Waller-Bridge also took on a significant acting role in *Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny*, the fifth film in the beloved adventure series. She starred alongside Harrison Ford as Helena Shaw, Indy’s goddaughter, bringing her characteristic charm and sharp delivery to the big screen. This was yet another major project that positioned her firmly in the global cinematic spotlight, independently of her Amazon commitments.
Her role in *Indiana Jones* was a highly anticipated performance, allowing her to showcase her acting prowess on a grand scale. She even got to land a punch on Harrison Ford’s iconic adventurer, a moment she described as “glorious” and “so funny” in an interview. Waller-Bridge spoke about a special moment from filming, revealing, “It was walking into the tomb at the end, and the detail, and the grandeur of it… It was truly huge. They build these sets, so it’s an experience when you walk in. It’s 360 [degrees].” This demonstrates her genuine enthusiasm for the project and the immersive nature of the production.
These external projects, *No Time to Die* and *Indiana Jones*, painted a picture of a creator who was exceptionally busy and in high demand, even as her Amazon output remained minimal. They underscored the idea that while Amazon had her under contract, her creative energy and star power were being channeled into other major Hollywood endeavors, further fueling the conversation around the value and efficacy of her exclusive streaming deal. She was a valuable asset, undeniably, but perhaps not exclusively for Amazon’s streaming platform.
7. **The *Tomb Raider* Series Saga and Its Uncertain Fate**Among the most talked-about projects under Waller-Bridge’s Amazon deal was a live-action *Tomb Raider* series. It was widely reported that she was set to write and executive produce the show, with discussions even hinting at her potentially directing a handful of episodes. This felt like a natural fit given her involvement with *Indiana Jones* and James Bond, and Waller-Bridge herself expressed immense enthusiasm for the project, admitting she was “obsessed” with the video game as a teenager.
In an interview with Vanity Fair in 2023, she recalled, “God, it literally felt like that teenager in me saying: Do right by her, do right by Lara!” She added, “It’s such a wonderful feeling to think you know what to do.” The opportunity brought up “big roaring instincts” in her, suggesting a deep personal connection and a clear vision for bringing Lara Croft to the screen. The idea was to develop a full *Tomb Raider* universe, spanning television, film, and games, with Waller-Bridge at the creative helm for the series.
However, this ambitious project has been plagued with significant hurdles and an increasingly uncertain future. Puck News reported that *Tomb Raider* had “gone through two writers’ rooms and tens of millions of dollars in development costs” with nothing substantial to show for it. Some outlets flatly confirmed the project was “dead” or “not going ahead,” despite earlier reports that Sophie Turner was in talks to star as Lara Croft and that filming would begin in early 2025. Neither Prime Video nor Waller-Bridge’s representatives have commented, leaving the project in a perplexing state of limbo, a testament to the complex and often expensive journey of bringing big ideas to the screen.
Alright, so we’ve journeyed through the initial fanfare, the head-scratching detours, and the major external triumphs that have marked Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s Amazon deal. But the plot, much like a classic Waller-Bridge narrative, only thickens. The industry, ever keen to dissect a mega-deal gone… sideways, has been having some frank conversations, and Amazon itself has had to do a bit of soul-searching about its investment strategy. Let’s pull back the curtain even further and see how this high-stakes game has evolved.
8. **The Evolution of Waller-Bridge’s Amazon Contract: From Exclusive to First-Look**Remember that astronomical $100 million ‘golden handcuffs’ deal from 2019, designed to lock Waller-Bridge into an exclusive relationship with Amazon? Well, like many things in Hollywood, it hasn’t stayed static. After years of relatively minimal output, the terms of that landmark agreement have, shall we say, loosened significantly. It’s a testament to the ever-shifting sands of streaming economics and the often-unpredictable nature of creative partnerships.
The original deal, a five-year pact with a reported $20 million per year, was first renewed in 2022. But by earlier this month, the conversation had clearly changed. The contract was converted from an exclusive overall deal to a nonexclusive first-look arrangement, and—get this—for “significantly less” money. It’s essentially Amazon admitting, without outright saying it, that they might have “gotten out over their skis” with the initial, eye-watering financial commitment.
This shift isn’t just about Waller-Bridge; it reflects a broader industry recalibration. Amazon Studios head Jennifer Salke, who was a huge proponent of the original deal, even commented in October last year that the company was planning to convert deals like Waller-Bridge’s “to a very performance-based model, based on what they accomplish.” She added, “And that’s been received very well because you’ve got to change with the times.” This pragmatic pivot signals a new era where output, not just potential, is king.
Salke, despite the clear changes in the deal’s structure, publicly maintained that she had “no regrets” about the initial investment. She even suggested that the millions dished out should be viewed more as a “holding deal,” implying that retaining Waller-Bridge’s talent, even if it meant fewer Amazon Originals for a while, was still a win. Whether this is pure spin or a genuine long-term play, it certainly highlights the complex dance between studios and superstar creators.
9. **Hollywood’s ‘Star F***ing’ Problem: The Industry’s Candid Reflections on Mega-Deals**The quiet period of Waller-Bridge’s Amazon deal has certainly sparked some pointed industry chatter, forcing a candid examination of how these colossal contracts are struck. One executive, speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, didn’t mince words, describing Amazon’s previous strategy with creators as “star ing”—a provocative term for indiscriminately showering talents with money without a clear, actionable plan to ensure they actually delivered. It’s a harsh truth, but one that resonates with many observers.
This isn’t just about Amazon; it’s a systemic issue that has plagued Hollywood’s streaming wars. Studios, desperate to secure big names and exclusive content, often hand out blank checks with the hope that creative genius will spontaneously combust into a string of hits. But as we’ve seen, genius, like a well-crafted narrative, often requires careful nurturing, clear direction, and sometimes, a little creative friction to truly shine.
What’s truly delicious, from a Vulture perspective, is the cheeky reframing of this dynamic. If Amazon was guilty of “star ing,” then some might argue that Waller-Bridge, whether intentionally or not, engaged in a bit of “studio .” As one sharp observer playfully defined it, that’s “signing a lucrative deal with a predatory corporation and, like Robin Hood himself, bleeding them dry for every penny they’re worth.” And honestly, in the current media landscape, who among us isn’t rooting for Robin Hood?
This perspective posits Waller-Bridge as a kind of subversive hero for 2025, a master of the long game who secured a massive financial cushion while still pursuing her passion projects and external collaborations. It might mean a longer wait for her next Amazon-exclusive masterpiece, but it certainly offers a compelling, if slightly irreverent, take on the power dynamics at play in contemporary Hollywood. She’s winning, even if the studio’s balance sheet isn’t quite as thrilled.
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10. **The Feminist Lens: Speculated Influence on Projects and Character Portrayals**Phoebe Waller-Bridge isn’t just a brilliant writer and performer; she’s an outspoken feminist, and that perspective is inextricably woven into the fabric of her work, from the sharp, self-aware humor of *Fleabag* to the complex female characters she crafts. It’s only natural that her feminist lens would influence her approach to any project, and this has, at times, led to speculation and even some backlash, particularly concerning the *Tomb Raider* series.
Her candid reflections on womanhood and societal expectations often find their way into her dialogue and character arcs. She once told the BBC that she’d trade five years of her life for a “perfect body,” acknowledging the internal conflict: “I would’ve been the girl with the hand up, I would’ve been like hell yes, and then thinking that was honest, and thinking that’s empowering because it’s honest and yet feeling at the same time that it’s letting the side down and not really knowing what the rules were.”
Waller-Bridge openly admits to navigating a complex terrain when discussing feminism, acknowledging the “mines that you can step on.” This self-awareness underscores her thoughtful, rather than dogmatic, approach to infusing her stories with feminist themes. She’s not just ticking boxes; she’s exploring the genuine nuances and contradictions of modern womanhood, making her characters feel incredibly real and relatable, even when they’re navigating fantastical adventures.
However, this very perspective has been cited as a potential hurdle for projects like *Tomb Raider*. Some reports suggested that a perceived feminist approach to Lara Croft could have contributed to fan backlash and the project’s uncertain fate. Whether these claims are entirely accurate or just convenient scapegoating, it highlights the delicate balance creators must strike when reimagining beloved characters through a contemporary lens, particularly in franchises with established, and often male-gaze-driven, fanbases.
11. **Phoebe’s Next Big Screen Venture: *A Big Bold Beautiful Journey***While the Amazon drama has certainly dominated headlines, Phoebe Waller-Bridge remains a highly sought-after talent in Hollywood, and her upcoming projects continue to generate significant buzz. One such venture, *A Big Bold Beautiful Journey*, sees her returning to the big screen in a major acting role alongside an impressive roster of stars. This is a project that signals her continued presence as a captivating on-screen presence.
She is slated to star in this American fantasy film alongside the formidable Margot Robbie and the ever-charismatic Colin Farrell. Directed by Kogonada, known for his distinctive visual style and emotionally resonant storytelling, the film is intriguingly described as an “imaginative tale of two strangers and the extraordinary emotional journey that connects them.” The premise alone suggests a narrative ripe for Waller-Bridge’s unique blend of wit and depth.
The ensemble cast for *A Big Bold Beautiful Journey* is further bolstered by the addition of Lily Rabe, Jodie Turner-Smith, and newcomer Lucy Thomas, promising a rich tapestry of performances. While specific plot and character details for Waller-Bridge’s role remain largely under wraps, her involvement alone guarantees a certain level of intelligent writing and captivating delivery. Fans are already eagerly anticipating what she’ll bring to this fresh cinematic endeavor.
Currently, there’s no official release date announced for *A Big Bold Beautiful Journey*, adding to the air of mystery surrounding the project. However, the sheer talent involved, both in front of and behind the camera, makes this one of Waller-Bridge’s most anticipated upcoming roles, further cementing her status as an actress who gravitates towards compelling, character-driven narratives outside the confines of any single studio deal.
12. **The Broader Context: Industry Trends, Executive Shifts, and the ‘Golden Hamstring’**Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s Amazon odyssey isn’t just a personal narrative; it’s a microcosm of broader industry trends, shedding light on the precarious balance between creative ambition, financial investment, and the relentless pressure to deliver. The fluctuating fortunes of her deal have become a significant talking point, particularly in the context of high-level executive changes and evolving studio strategies.
Jennifer Salke’s recent departure as Amazon Studios head, for instance, has been seen by many as directly tied to expensive deals that failed to yield consistent hits, with the Phoebe Waller-Bridge contract often cited as a prime example of a “major misstep.” Salke’s tenure is now widely regarded as a “mixed bag,” underscoring how even the most well-intentioned, big-money gambles can have significant repercussions for those at the top.
The concept of “golden handcuffs” has even morphed into something more cynical: the “sinister, ‘golden hamstring’ deals.” As one source put it to The Times, these are agreements designed not just to secure talent, but to prevent them from working for rivals—effectively hamstringing their ability to be prolific elsewhere, even if their current patron isn’t utilizing them fully. It’s a provocative term that speaks volumes about the cutthroat nature of the streaming wars.
And Waller-Bridge is far from alone in this predicament. Reports highlight similar scenarios with other A-listers and mega-deals, from Harry and Meghan’s Netflix agreement to JJ Abrams’s Warner Bros Discovery pact, and even the half-billion-dollar deal for *South Park* creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker. In many cases, these monumental investments have “delivered less than some expected,” leading to a collective Hollywood head-scratching and, for fans, a sometimes disappointing “vacuum of the past six years.”
Ultimately, Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s journey with Amazon isn’t just about a single artist; it’s a compelling narrative about the shifting landscape of streaming, the complexities of creative freedom versus commercial pressure, and the sometimes-unintended consequences of astronomical deals. As Hollywood continues to evolve, her story will undoubtedly serve as a fascinating case study, reminding us all that even with the biggest budgets, the path to groundbreaking content is rarely a straight line. But one thing is for sure: we’ll all be watching closely to see what this undeniable genius conjures up next.
