Amazon MGM Studios has taken creative control of the James Bond franchise, marking the end of decades of leadership by the Broccoli family.
Longtime producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli announced they are stepping back from making 007 films. While they will still co-own the Bond rights through a new joint venture, Amazon MGM will now lead the franchise’s future direction.
The financial details of the deal were not disclosed, but it is expected to be finalised this year. Wilson, who has worked on Bond films for nearly 60 years, said he will now focus on art and charity work. Broccoli also stated that, with Wilson retiring and No Time to Die marking the end of an era, she plans to focus on other projects.
Amazon acquired MGM Studios in 2022 for $6.1 billion, largely to gain control of the Bond franchise. However, since Daniel Craig’s final Bond appearance in No Time to Die, Amazon MGM and the Broccolis reportedly disagreed over the series’ future. This disagreement led to delays in announcing the next Bond film’s script, director, or lead actor.
For over 60 years, the Bond series was a family-run business. Albert R. “Cubby” Broccoli launched the franchise with 1962’s Dr. No, producing 25 films that have earned $7.6 billion at the box office. In 1995, control passed to his daughter Barbara and stepson Michael. With their departure, Amazon MGM is expected to expand Bond’s reach beyond movies, though some fans worry about possible spin-offs and streaming content.
The future of James Bond is now in Amazon’s hands, and fans eagerly await the next chapter of the legendary spy.
