In a significant development for the James Bond franchise, Amazon MGM Studios announced on Thursday that it has teamed up with the iconic producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson to form a joint venture aimed at managing the James Bond intellectual rights.
Creative Control Shifts to Amazon MGM Studios
While Broccoli and Wilson, siblings who have overseen the franchise for decades, will remain co-owners, Amazon MGM Studios will now hold creative control over the future direction of the 007 films. This move comes after Amazon acquired MGM in 2022, securing the rights to distribute Bond films.
Mike Hopkins, the head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, expressed excitement about the partnership, saying:
“Since his theatrical introduction over 60 years ago, James Bond has been one of the most iconic characters in filmed entertainment.”
He continued by thanking Broccoli and Wilson for their dedication to the franchise and emphasized Amazon’s honor in continuing its legacy. Hopkins also promised to guide 007 into the “next phase” for audiences worldwide.
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Wilson Steps Back; Broccoli Focuses on New Projects
As part of the announcement, Wilson revealed that he is stepping back from producing future James Bond films after almost 60 years of leadership in the franchise. He plans to focus on art and charitable projects moving forward.
Broccoli echoed similar sentiments, sharing that her life has been devoted to maintaining the legacy of James Bond. With Wilson’s retirement and the conclusion of the recent Bond film run, she now looks forward to dedicating more time to her other projects.
The Search for the Next James Bond
This news comes more than three years after Daniel Craig‘s final appearance as the iconic hero in 2021’s “No Time to Die”. Since then, speculation has run rampant regarding who will be the next actor to step into Bond’s shoes.
In a June 2022 interview with Deadline, Broccoli hinted at a “reinvention” of the character, signaling that the direction for Bond’s future was still in the works.
One name that has generated significant buzz is Aaron Taylor-Johnson. Although the actor has largely dodged questions about the possibility of playing James Bond, he addressed the commitment such a role would require in a March 2024 interview with Rolling Stone UK:
“I don’t feel like I need to have a future drawn out for me.”
The search for the next James Bond continues, with fans and industry insiders eagerly awaiting the next chapter in the legendary spy’s story.
