Amazon to gain creative control of James Bond in joint venture deal

Amazon has gained creative control of the James Bond film franchise after the long-standing producers of the 007 films stepped away as part of a new deal.

Eon Productions, run by Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli – who have produced the franchise since the death of Albert “Cubby” Broccoli, announced it will be co-owners with Amazon MGM Studios.

The official Bond film franchise has been controlled by members of the Broccoli family, either single-handedly or in partnership with others, since the first 007 movie Dr No in 1962.

There has been increasing speculation about the future of the series, with no announcement of a new actor to play the famous spy since Daniel Craig’s final portrayal in 2021’s No Time to Die.

In 2022, Amazon acquired MGM, including the rights to distribute James Bond films – and will now have control of the intellectual property rights.

Wilson will leave film work behind to “focus on art and charitable projects”, while Broccoli is going to do “other projects”, the duo said.

A statement said the Broccoli family and Amazon MGM Studios “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 statement added.

Wilson said: “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.”

Broccoli said: “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 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.”

Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, said: “Since his theatrical introduction over 60 years ago, James Bond has been one of the most iconic characters in filmed entertainment.

“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.

“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.”

Broccoli and her half-brother Wilson have produced the last nine Bond films, including Casino Royale, Quantum Of Solace, Spectre and No Time To Die, and have been honoured with CBEs, and won the outstanding British film Bafta for 2012’s Skyfall along with director Sir Sam Mendes.

In 2023, they brought out the spin-off Bond Prime Video game show 007: Road To A Million fronted by Succession actor Brian Cox – which is set to return for a second series.

After the deal was announced Amazon founder Jeff Bezos reacted to the news by sharing a post on Instagram asking his followers: “Who’d you pick as the next Bond?”

There have been reports in the Wall Street Journal previously about disagreements between Broccoli and Amazon MGM Studios over creative control, with her reportedly saying “don’t have temporary people make permanent decisions”.

There have also been claims by the newspaper that Amazon MGM Studios wants to expand Bond into TV and other ventures.

The deal is expected to close in 2025, subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions, the PA news agency understands.

Elsewhere, there is a trademark cancellation filing which has been made to UK and European intellectual property offices by an Austrian businessman, Josef Kleindienst, who wants to be able to use the James Bond name.

Mr Kleindienst is developing an island called The Heart of Europe off the coast of Dubai, and wants to use the 007 trademark.