Amazon Gains Creative Control of the James Bond Franchise
20 February 2025 21:56
In what might very well be the most significant James Bond story we’ll see in our lifetime; the Broccoli family has handed over complete creative control to Amazon. It’s the end of a dynasty that began with Albert R. Broccoli and the release of Dr. No in 1962. An era that lasted more than 60 years and generated 25 films.
The story initially broke earlier today on the 007.com website and was shared through its official social channels. In the press release Amazon MGM Studios, Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson announced together that they have created a new joint venture to “house the James Bond intellectual property rights.” The former producers will remain “co-owners” of the franchise, which is not elaborated on, so it’s unclear what role they’ll play going forward, if any.
However, the important part of the press release is that Amazon MGM Studios will gain creative control following the joint venture with immediate effect. This is a watershed moment – an inflection point in the James Bond franchise that will forever change the trajectory of the IP. All of the decision-making on future productions is now up to the executives at Amazon. They will decide on the next Bond actor, director, script, locations, budget, etc.
The Head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, Mike Hopkins, made the following announcement in the press release:
“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.”
The former producers also provided their own statements:
“With my 007 career spanning nearly sixty 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”
“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.”
From these statements it becomes clear that a key reason behind the departure of Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson is that they don’t wish to dedicate the final years of their careers to the James Bond franchise. After all, it does take a tremendous amount of time and work to produce a Bond film, particularly when a new Bond actor is sought, and they know this better than anyone.
With Wilson’s 83 years of age it was perhaps only a matter of time before he was going to step down. However, what’s surprising is that Barbara Broccoli has decided to join him. Only two months ago she was reportedly overheard saying that the executives at Amazon were “f*cking idiots.” A far cry from the “trusted partner” image that Wilson conveys in his statement.
As of now we don’t know too much about the specifics of the deal. According to The Guardian, the spokesperson for Amazon won’t reveal the financial terms of the deal any time soon. It’s also unknown to what extent Amazon will take the IP going forward. In the past the tech giant has expressed an interest in expanding the variety of “content” such as new spinoff TV shows and films that may or may not be exclusive to their streaming service Prime Video.
Source: 007.com