“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 (Broccoli) and I agree, it is time for our trusted partner, Amazon MGM Studios, to lead James Bond into the future,” said Michael G. Wilson, longtime owners of the James Bond film franchise.
While Wilson and Broccoli will co-own the James Bond intellectual property rights; Amazon MGM will take over the creative control of the franchise.
Barbara Broccoli noted, “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 honor 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.”
The last James Bond film “No Time to Die” was also the final film for James Bond actor Daniel Craig. Bond appeared to die at the end of the film but there have been promises that 007 would return. While there has been a great deal of speculation and rumours, no new James Bond actor has been named.
Head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios Mike Hopkins spoke on the franchise saying, “we are grateful to the late Albert R. Broccoli and Harry Saltzman for bringing James Bond to movie theaters 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.”
In 1962 Albert Broccoli secured the rights to adapt the Ian Fleming books. Since that first film “Dr. No” starring the late Sir Sean Connery as Bond, there have been 25 James Bond thrillers with six different actors playing the heartthrob spy.
In 2022 Amazon purchased MGM Studios for $6.1 billion. Motivated by the opportunity of owning the Bond franchise; but there has been a great deal of controversy between Wilson and Broccoli and Amazon MGM over the direction of the Bond franchise.
Amazon MGM looks to expand the franchise beyond the storied films.