Amazon MGM Studios has secured “creative control” of the iconic James Bond franchise in what People Magazine dubbed a “surprising shake-up.”
That’s according to a press release from the streaming giant. “Amazon MGM Studios, Michael G. Wilson, and Barbara Broccoli today announced that they have formed a new joint venture to house the James Bond intellectual property rights, and those parties will remain co-owners of the franchise. Under the terms of the new venture, Amazon MGM Studios will gain creative control of the James Bond franchise following closing of the transaction,” the release says.
“Since his theatrical introduction over 60 years ago, James Bond has been one of the most iconic characters in filmed entertainment,” said Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios.
According to People, it’s been three years since a Bond film hit the theaters, but it’s unclear who will play the next James Bond.
Amazon MGM Studios Wants to Continue the ‘Treasured Heritage’ of James Bond
STEFFI LOOS/AFP via Getty ImagesJames Bond wax figures
Hopkins stressed that Amazon MGM studios hopes to continue the “legacy” of the James Bond franchise.”
“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,” he said in the release.
“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.”
Amazon Has the Rights to Distribute All James Bond Films
Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures/Columbia Pictures/EON ProductionsDaniel Craig James Bond
“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 in the release.
“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,” he added. “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.”
In 2022, Amazon “acquired MGM, including a vast catalog with more than 4,000 films and 17,000 TV shows. Since the MGM acquisition, Amazon has held rights to distribute all of the James Bond films, and as a result of this transaction will have creative control over future productions,” the release notes.
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