Amazon’s MGM Studios will take creative control of the “James Bond” film franchise under a new joint venture with longtime rights holders Michael Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, the technology giant said in an official statement.
This comes after reports of strained relations between Broccoli and Amazon over the direction of the character, dampening hopes of a new film.
The Bond franchise will continue to be co-owned by all the parties, Amazon said. The company bought MGM studios in 2022, including its vast catalog with over 4,000 films and 17,000 TV shows, to better compete with streaming rivals including Netflix and Walt Disney.
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“I feel it is time to focus on my other projects,” said Broccoli. Wilson and Broccoli are half-siblings who have controlled the franchise since 1995.
Such a deal will allow Amazon to take on a more hands-on role with the series as fans await the 26th Bond film and the reveal of who will don the iconic tuxedo after Daniel Craig’s 2021 exit.
Although most fans have expressed the desire for Henry Cavill to replace Craig as 007, it turns out that “Happy Valley” actor James Norton, “Divergent” star Theo James, and “Kick-Ass” actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson are among those with the highest odds to play the suave spy according to betting website Ladbrokes.
Broccoli has hinted the next Bond will be a man in his thirties, ensuring a long run in the role.
Inspired by Ian Fleming’s novels, the Bond franchise has spanned over 60 years, grossing more than $7 billion at the global box office, making it one of the most successful ever.
“We … look forward to ushering in the next phase of the legendary 007 for audiences around the world,” Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios said.