A big shakeup is coming into the world of James Bond.
Amazon MGM Studios will take on creative control of the Bond franchise as part of an agreement between longtime producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli.
In a statement Thursday, Wilson (83) said he will step back from the production of Bond films to “focus on arts and philanthropy projects,” while 64-year-old Broccoli will focus on “other projects” ahead Masu. Amazon MGM Studios, Wilson, and Broccoli will continue to be co-owners of the franchise.
“Barbara and I agree, it’s time for our trusted partner, Amazon MGM Studios, to bring James Bond into the future,” Wilson said.
Shortly after the news of the contract was announced, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos asked his followers “Who chose the next bond?”
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“Their indomitable dedication and their franchise legacy, cherished by a legacy of fans all over the world,” Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, told Wilson and Broccoli on Thursday. I’m grateful for the role of the company.” We look forward to continuing this precious legacy and escorting us to the next stage of legendary 007 for audiences around the world. ”
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The news marked the end of the Bond era, a franchise that Broccoli and her brother Wilson have been in control since 1995. The film series began in 1962 with “Dr. No.” Harry Saltzmann.
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Amazon acquired MGM in 2022, the year after Daniel Craig left as 007 as 007, despite Wilson and Broccoli maintaining creative control, and after he acquired MGM in 2022, the year after he left as 007 as 007. has earned the right to distribute.
The Thursday deal could open the door for Amazon to expand Bond to new areas such as spin-off films and streaming shows. The company previously released “007: Road to a Million” in 2023.
Amazon will also take creative control at Bond’s key moments as fans are waiting for an announcement about who will succeed in the role of Craig. No casting decisions have been announced, and the producers have not revealed when the next Bond film will be released.
Contributions: Aditya Soni and Zahir Kachowara, Reuters