Amazon has gained creative control of the James Bond film franchise after the long-standing producers of the 007 films stepped away as part of a new deal.
Eon Productions, run by Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli – who have produced the franchise since the death of Albert “Cubby” Broccoli – announced it would be co-owners with Amazon MGM Studios, run by tech billionaire Jeff Bezos.
The official Bond film franchise has been controlled by members of the Broccoli family, either single-handedly or in partnership with others, since the first 007 movie Dr. No in 1962.
There has been increasing speculation about the future of the series, with no announcement of a new actor to play the famous spy since Daniel Craig’s final portrayal in 2021’s No Time to Die. The movie grossed US$774 million in global box office receipts.
In 2022, Amazon acquired MGM, including the rights to distribute James Bond films – and would now have control of the intellectual property rights.
Wilson would leave film work behind to “focus on art and charitable projects”, while Broccoli was going to do “other projects”, the duo said.
A statement said the Broccoli family and Amazon MGM Studios “have formed a new joint venture to house the James Bond intellectual property rights, and those parties will remain co-owners of the franchise”.
“Under the terms of the new venture, Amazon MGM Studios will gain creative control of the James Bond franchise following closing of the transaction,” the statement added.
“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.
“Therefore, Barbara and I agree, it is time for our trusted partner, Amazon MGM Studios, to lead James Bond into the future.”
Broccoli said: “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.”
Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, said: “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.”
Now with Amazon at the helm, the audience may not have to wait too long for the next installment – or for spin offs.
Amazon’s Bezos wasted no time in soliciting opinions.
“Who’d you pick as the next Bond?” Bezos asked followers on X.
But reaction to the news on social media was largely downbeat, with fans lamenting what they saw as the inevitable over-exploitation of the brand by the Amazon juggernaut.
Several users tweeted variations on “RIP James Bond”, posting memes of headstones and franchise characters dying.
“DON’T cinematic universe James Bond,” wrote @joerussotweets, referring to the vast expansion of Marvel characters under Disney ownership.
“It is one of our last, great theatrical events. Don’t dilute that with a plethora of streaming spin-offs.”
While the occasionally lengthy waits between installments could frustrate fans, some bemoaned the likely speeding up of the process.
“We used to get a (generally) very good James Bond movie every few years, but that’s all out the window now. Get ready for Young Q and 00 Origins: Trevelyan and other unwatchable Amazon Prime slop,” wrote @MikeBeauvais.
