Amazon MGM Studios takes control of ‘James Bond’ from Broccoli family
Amazon MGM Studios have confirmed they have reached a new agreement with Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli which will see the studios take creative control of the James Bond franchise.
They have formed a new joint venture agreement, under which Wilson and Broccoli will remain co-owners of the franchise, but Amazon MGM Studios will now have complete creative freedom.
Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, said in a statement: “Since his theatrical introduction over 60 years ago, James Bond has been one of the most iconic characters in filmed entertainment.”
He continued: “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.”
Wilson said: “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. Therefore, Barbara and I agree, it is time for our trusted partner, Amazon MGM Studios, to lead James Bond into the future.”
Meanwhile, Broccoli noted: “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 project.”
Wilson and Broccoli’s father, Albert R Broccoli, along with Harry Saltzman, brought the Bond franchise to the screen in 1962, and until now, the Broccoli family controlled the Bond estate.
However, since 2021, Amazon has held the rights to the franchise since 2021 after purchasing Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, which oversaw the release of Bond movies for over 40 years. Following the acquisition, Bond became part of its subsidiary company, Amazon MGM Studios.
In December, a report from The Wall Street Journal alleged that Amazon had a “decayed relationship” with Broccoli, which derailed plans for a follow-up to No Time to Die.
The publication claimed that a disagreement had occurred over the creative direction for the next 007 movie. Amazon wanted to take a “Marvel-style” approach to the franchise and also desired to expand with spinoffs.
The Wall Street Journal alleged that Broccoli has told friends in private that Amazon are “fucking idiots” who have taken Bod “hostage”.
However, the new agreement between the Broccoli family and Amazon MGM Studios means plans to advance on a new movie can now get underway, including the casting of a new leading man to replace Craig in the titular role.
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