James Bond bombshell as Barbara Broccoli GIVES UP creative control to Amazon in major shake-up to film franchise
Amazon MGM Studios has gained creative control of the James Bond franchise, marking a historic shift as longtime producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson step back from their roles.
The change ends 63 years of Broccoli family creative control over the iconic British spy series, which began with Albert “Cubby” Broccoli’s launch of the film franchise.
The announcement comes four years after Daniel Craig’s final appearance as 007 in No Time to Die.
Under the new joint venture announced today, Amazon MGM Studios, Wilson and Broccoli will remain co-owners of the James Bond intellectual property rights.
The agreement grants Amazon MGM Studios creative control over future productions of the franchise.
The restructuring follows Amazon’s 2022 acquisition of MGM, which included distribution rights to all James Bond films as part of a vast catalogue of more than 4,000 films and 17,000 TV shows.
Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, praised Bond’s enduring impact on entertainment.
“Since his theatrical introduction over 60 years ago, James Bond has been one of the most iconic characters in filmed entertainment,” he said.
Hopkins expressed gratitude to Albert R. Broccoli and Harry Saltzman for bringing Bond to cinemas, and to Wilson and Barbara Broccoli for their “unyielding dedication” to the franchise.
He added that Amazon was “honoured to continue this treasured heritage” and looked forward to “ushering in the next phase” of 007.
Wilson, who has been involved with 007 for nearly 60 years, announced his departure from producing the films.
“With my 007 career spanning nearly 60 incredible years, I am stepping back from producing the James Bond films to focus on art and charitable projects,” Wilson said.
He expressed confidence in the franchise’s future direction, adding: “Therefore, Barbara and I agree, it is time for our trusted partner, Amazon MGM Studios, to lead James Bond into the future.”
Broccoli reflected on her family’s legacy in stewarding the franchise.
“My life has been dedicated to maintaining and building upon the extraordinary legacy that was handed to Michael and me by our father, producer Cubby Broccoli,” she said.
She noted her experience working with “four of the tremendously talented actors who have played 007 and thousands of wonderful artists within the industry.”
With No Time to Die’s conclusion and Wilson’s retirement, Broccoli stated she would now “focus on my other projects.”
While the execs may be unanimous in their optimism for the future of Bond, fans reacting to the news aren’t so sure.
“James Bond will be Disney-fied like Star Wars, MCU and Indiana Jones. Lower quality streaming products, endless spinoffs, sequels, reboots the whole lot. End of an era. Now we realised Daniel Craig was prescient: James Bond is dead,” one Instagram user penned in reaction to the news.
And a second summed up the feelings of many as they simply wrote: “End of a era, Amazon in charge… oh dear.” (sic)
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The deal marks a significant expansion of Amazon’s involvement with the Bond franchise, building upon its 2022 acquisition of MGM.
Prior to today’s announcement, Amazon held distribution rights for all James Bond films through its MGM purchase.
The new agreement now gives Amazon MGM Studios full creative control over future Bond productions, whilst maintaining the joint ownership structure with the franchise’s long-term stewards.