There is breaking news out of Culver City, California where Amazon MGM Studios is based. Long-time James Bond franchise custodians Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli have given Amazon MGM Studios creative control of the James Bond franchise.
“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,” said Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios.
“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.” said Wilson.
“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. 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,” said Broccoli.
Amazon Studios merged with MGM Holdings in 2022, and subsequently rebranded as Amazon MGM Studios in 2023. However, the aquisition left Wilson and Broccoli with creative control. Meaning, Amazon MGM Studios could not hire a new James Bond actor or greelight films without the approval of Wilson and Broccoli.
As per the announcement, the intellectual property (IP) rights of 007 will be controlled by a new joint venture with all three parties but gives Amazon MGM Studios creative control.