Amazon Now In Full Control Of James Bond Franchise And Wants A JBCU

Amazon is now in full control of the James Bond franchise and latest reports say they want a James Bond Cinematic Universe [JBCU]. As reported by Variety, long time producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson have stepped away from Bond. The Bond franchise is still partly owned by their company and Amazon/MGM. However, they will not be involved creatively going forward.

Check it out via Variety,

‘Amazon MGM Studios is set to take creative control of the James Bond franchise.’

‘The shock announcement — which is sure to shake and, indeed, stir the industry — was made Thursday, alongside the news that long-time producers and custodians of 007, Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, would be stepping back.’

‘As per details of the historic agreement, Amazon MGM Studios, Wilson and Broccoli have formed a new joint venture to house the James Bond intellectual property rights. The three parties will remain co-owners of the iconic franchise but Amazon MGM will have creative control.’

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“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,” said Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios.

‘Added Wilson: “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 commented, “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 honor 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.”’

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As for the whole JBCU, well this was what trades previously reported that Amazon wanted to do. Then in an article by the Wall Street Journal back last year, Broccoli was reported as calling Amazon ‘idiots’. Therefore it does seem like her and Wilson have lost whatever battle for creative control took place.

So, if Amazon do with James Bond what they did with Jack Ryan and Lord of the Rings, we’ll be in trouble. However, they pulled off other adaptations in the past and have some decent series. Questions is, will they make good Bond films? I guess we will find out. Rumor is they will now push on with the casting of the new 007.

What do you think of the news Amazon is now in full control of the James Bond franchise? Are you interested in a James Bond Cinematic Universe, or not? Thoughts below.

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