Amazon MGM Studios will take creative control of the James Bond franchise following a landmark joint venture agreement with longtime producers Michael Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, the parties announced Thursday.
The deal is a major shift in the governance of one of cinema’s most valuable properties, though Wilson and Broccoli’s company will remain co-owners of the franchise through the new venture, a statement said.
It also comes four years after the last Bond film, in which Daniel Craig’s secret agent bowed out, with fans left to speculate about who will replace him.
Now with Amazon at the helm, the audience may not have to wait too long, with company founder Jeff Bezos taking to social media to solicit opinions.
“Who’d you pick as the next Bond?” Bezos asked followers on X.
The agreement coincides with the retirement of Wilson and Broccoli from active production of the Bond films. Wilson, whose career with 007 spans nearly 60 years, said he would focus on “art and charitable projects,” while Broccoli announced plans to pursue other ventures following the conclusion of No Time to Die.
The new arrangement gives Amazon MGM Studios creative authority over future productions of the franchise, which has been closely guarded by the Broccoli family since Albert “Cubby” Broccoli and Harry Saltzman first brought Ian Fleming’s character to theaters.
The pair were steadfast in preserving the integrity of the James Bond character and brand and resisted spin-offs and licensing that they felt might have tarnished the franchise. The financial terms of the joint venture were not disclosed.
No Time to Die — the 25th James Bond film — was released in 2021 and earned $775 million.
There have been no announcements regarding the timeline for production of the next film or Craig’s replacement.
AFP