A new chapter for 007: Amazon MGM acquires ‘creative control’ over the James Bond franchise

Amazon MGM has announced a shocking deal. The American-based production house has revealed that it now holds full creative control of the legendary James Bond series. Previously managed by Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson of Eon Productions, the duo have announced a joint venture with Amazon MGM. While they will retain the intellectual property rights of the iconic Ian Fleming character, Amazon MGM will have complete creative authority over the story's direction.

Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, said, “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.”

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In 1961, Albert R. Broccoli and Harry Saltzman acquired the rights to the suave spy character and introduced the man to the big screen with Sean Connery embodying the role of Bond in the 1962 film Dr. No. Broccoli then passed the rights to the series to his daughter Barbara Broccoli and her half-brother Michael G. Wilson. The sibling's first production collaboration came in 1995 with GoldenEye. A total of 25 James Bond films have graced the big screen since 1962, with six different actors playing Bond, the latest, Daniel Craig in No Time To Die (2022).

Barbara Broccoli said in a statement, “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.”

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Who will play the next James Bond?

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos was quick to flex his latest purchase. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the business mogul posed a question: “Who'd you pick as the next Bond?” The popular answer is Henry Cavill, a discussion that has been going on for quite some time. Other popular contenders include Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Idris Elba, with Michael Fassbender, Chris Evans, Theo James, James McAvoy, and Tom Cruise thrown around in the mix.