Amazon takes over the James Bond franchise: The profitable James Bond movie brand is about to be creatively taken over by Amazon. A new joint venture was formed between the firm and the Broccoli family, who had previously produced the picture. The Broccoli family and MGM Studios, a division of Amazon, will continue to co-own the business.
Amazon purchased MGM Studios for $8.45 billion in 2021, and now Wilson and Broccoli will hand over creative power to the studio. After MGM acquired the Bond franchise, Amazon acquired the distribution rights, but not the creative control.
“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,” said Mike Hopkins, Amazon’s head of Prime Video and MGM Studios, in a statement. “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.”
Producers Withdraw from the James Bond Film Series
After decades of managing the James Bond series, Wilson and Broccoli are finally taking a break.
“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,” Broccoli said in a statement. “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.”
Wilson said “I am stepping back from producing the James Bond films to focus on art and charitable projects,” Wilson said. “Therefore, Barbara and I agree, it is time for our trusted partner, Amazon MGM Studios, to lead James Bond into the future.”
Finding a new James Bond is Amazon MGM Studios’ next major task as Wilson and Broccoli step aside. From “Casino Royale” in 2006 to “No Time to Die” in 2021, Daniel Craig played 007 in five different motion pictures. Craig leaves the role when Bond dies in the most recent film in the franchise.
Jeff Bezos, the founder and executive chairman of Amazon, acknowledged the deal by posting on X, asking, “Who’d you pick as the next James Bond?”
One of the highest-grossing series in history is the Bond film franchise, which has been around for over 60 years. Amazon’s extensive media and entertainment company, which includes the Prime Video streaming service, stands to benefit greatly from the lucrative intellectual property.
One of the primary benefits of Amazon Prime, the company’s flagship subscription service, which costs $139 annually, is Prime Video. The firm claimed to have over 200 million Prime members globally as of 2021.
The character will enter a new phase as a result of Broccoli and Wilson leaving the James Bond brand, according to Amazon MGM Studios. According to the CEO of MGM Studios and Prime Video, the firm is eager to start the next phase of 007.
