Amazon MGM Take Over Creative Control Of James Bond Franchise
Longtime producers of the James Bond franchise, Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, are stepping back and handing over complete creative control to Amazon MGM Studios.
According to Deadline, the new venture was announced by the studio along with the news that Wilson and Broccoli will form a joint venture to house the James Bond intellectual property rights, and those parties will remain co-owners of the franchise. Under these new terms, Amazon MGM Studios will have creative control of the James Bond series once the transaction is closed.
Since Bond’s last outing in 2021’s No Time To Die, both the industry and fans have wondered what the next era of the franchise would look like. Insider reports add that at this current time, since a deal has not officially closed, no decisions have been made on future Bond films including who will star, direct or write the next film.
Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios said that “since his theatrical introduction over 60 years ago, James Bond has been one of the most iconic characters in filmed entertainment. We are grateful to the late Albert R. Broccoli and Harry Saltzman for bringing James Bond to movie theatres around the world, and to Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli for their unyielding dedication and their role in continuing the legacy of the franchise that is cherished by legions of fans worldwide. We are honoured to continue this treasured heritage, and look forward to ushering in the next phase of the legendary 007 for audiences around the world.”
MGM was acquired by Amazon in 2022, which included a catalogue of over 4,000 films and 17,000 TV shows. Since the acquisition, Amazon has held the rights to distribute every pre-existing James Bond film and, as a result of this transaction, will give them creative control over future instalments.
Wilson had this to say regarding the future of the franchise. “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. Therefore, Barbara and I agree, it is time for our trusted partner, Amazon MGM Studios, to lead James Bond into the future.”
Barbara Broccoli also commented that, “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. I have had the honour of working closely with four of the tremendously talented actors who have played 007 and thousands of wonderful artists within the industry. With the conclusion of No Time to Die and Michael retiring from the films, I feel it is time to focus on my other projects.”
This is momentous news for the future of the titular MI6 agent. Over the years, producers have had significant leverage when it came to decisions on the franchise. Now, only time will what Amazon MGM Studios have planned for the Martini drinking spy.
Discover more from
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
About the Author
