In a historic shift for the James Bond franchise, Amazon MGM announced Thursday that it has assumed creative control of the iconic series after decades of family stewardship. Longtime producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli revealed they are stepping back, marking the end of an era for the 007 legacy.
Amazon MGM and the Bond custodians have formed a joint venture to co-own the intellectual property rights to James Bond, though Amazon MGM will hold creative control. Financial terms of the deal remain undisclosed, but it is expected to finalize later this year.
“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 stated. “Barbara and I agree it is time for our trusted partner, Amazon MGM Studios, to lead James Bond into the future.”
Amazon’s 2022 $6.1 billion acquisition of MGM was largely driven by the allure of the Bond franchise. However, since Daniel Craig’s final turn as 007 in No Time to Die (2021), creative differences between Amazon MGM and Broccoli and Wilson reportedly stalled development of the next Bond film.
For the first time in over half a century, the Broccoli family will not oversee casting or the creative direction of the next 007 installment. Amazon MGM also signaled plans to expand the franchise beyond traditional films.
“We are honored to continue this treasured heritage,” said Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, adding that the company looks forward to shaping the future of Bond for global audiences.
The Bond series, helmed by Eon Productions since 1962’s Dr. No, has generated $7.6 billion in box office revenue over 25 films. Albert “Cubby” Broccoli, who secured the film rights to Ian Fleming’s novels, passed the torch to his daughter Barbara and stepson Wilson in 1995.
In recent years, Barbara Broccoli, 64, has led the franchise as Wilson, now 83, eased into retirement. “My life has been dedicated to maintaining and building upon the extraordinary legacy handed to Michael and me by our father,” Broccoli said. “With the conclusion of No Time to Die and Michael retiring, I feel it is time to focus on other projects.”
The shift has raised questions among fans about Bond’s future under Amazon’s control. A commitment to theatrical releases was a key condition of the MGM acquisition, but concerns remain over potential streaming overreach. Joe Russo, co-director of Avengers: Endgame, cautioned Amazon MGM to avoid turning Bond into a sprawling cinematic universe, calling it “one of our last great theatrical events.”
As the Broccoli era ends, uncertainty looms over the next Bond installment, with no script, director, or lead actor yet announced.
Source: Swifteradio.com
