Amazon MGM revealed on Thursday, February 20, that the studio has taken creative control of the 007 franchise after decades of family control, in a James Bond shakeup that rocked the movie business. Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, longtime Bond custodians, announced their retirement.
In a new joint venture, Wilson, Broccoli, and Amazon MGM Studios will jointly own the intellectual property rights to James Bond, but Amazon MGM will retain creative control. There was no disclosure of the financial terms. At some point this year, the deal is anticipated to close.
After nearly 60 remarkable years in my role as a producer for the James Bond films, I have decided to step back to concentrate on my artistic endeavors and charitable initiatives,” Wilson stated. “As such, Barbara and I have come to the conclusion that it is time for our esteemed partner, Amazon MGM Studios, to take the reins and guide James Bond into the future.”
In 2022, Amazon acquired MGM Studios for $6.1 billion, a strategic move largely driven by the desire to own one of cinema’s most cherished and enduring franchises. Following the conclusion of the Daniel Craig era with 2021’s No Time to Die, there have been reports of disagreements between Broccoli, Wilson, and Amazon MGM regarding the future direction of the Bond series.
The announcement made on Thursday signifies a historic shift in the James Bond franchise, as it marks the first time in over fifty years that a member of the Broccoli family will not be involved in approving the next 007 film or selecting the next actor to don the iconic tuxedo. Additionally, Amazon MGM plans to broaden the franchise’s reach beyond traditional films.
“We extend our gratitude to the late Albert R. Broccoli and Harry Saltzman for introducing James Bond to audiences globally, and to Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli for their unwavering commitment to preserving the legacy of this beloved franchise, which has captivated fans around the world,” stated Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios. “We are privileged to carry forward this esteemed tradition and are excited to embark on the next chapter of the legendary 007 for viewers everywhere.”
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