Amazon MGM Studios Takes Creative Control of JAMES BOND Franchise as Broccoli and Wilson Step Back
The James Bond franchise is heading into uncharted territory. Longtime producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, who have steered the iconic spy series for decades, are stepping away from the creative process, leaving Amazon MGM Studios in charge of the future of 007.
Amazon and the producers have formed a new venture to house the James Bond intellectual property, keeping them as co-owners. But for the first time in the franchise’s history, Amazon MGM Studios will have creative control, shaping the next chapter of Bond’s cinematic legacy.
This is kind of scary because studios with creative control tend to ruin things. Since No Time to Die closed out Daniel Craig’s run, fans have been eagerly waiting for news on the next iteration of Bond, who will play him, who will direct, and what the next story will look like. But, insiders say no decisions have been made yet.
Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, talked about the weight of taking on such a beloved franchise:
“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 honored to continue this treasured heritage and look forward to ushering in the next phase of the legendary 007 for audiences around the world.”
Amazon has been inching closer to this moment since acquiring MGM in 2022, gaining distribution rights to the Bond films. Now, with full creative control, the studio is poised to dictate the direction of one of franchise.
For Wilson, it’s the end of an era: “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.”
For decades, Broccoli and Wilson held immense influence over the franchise, carefully selecting directors, scripts, and even approving Bond actors. Their departure marks a major change in how the character will be handled going forward.
Broccoli reflected on her time overseeing Bond’s legacy: “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.”
It’s going to be inter4sting to see what Bond’s future looksw like under Amazon MGM Studios. Will the studio stay true to the grounded, prestige-driven approach of the Craig era, or pivot to something entirely different?
Source: Variety
