MGM Amazon Gains Total Control of the 'James Bond' Franchise

For the last sixty years, the James Bond Franchise was shepherded by the Broccoli Family. When Amazon bought MGM, there was a question of who would make the creative decisions moving forward. Now, Deadline is reporting a change in who is calling the shots. There were a lot of rumors that Amazon wanted to spin Bond off for TV shows in the world and other characters. But the producers behind the scenes wanted to keep Bond and the movies feeling special, so they were against this dilution of the brand. Producers Broccoli and Wilson are co-owners of the franchise, but under a new agreement with MGM Amazon, they have relinquished control to the studio. While we can't be sure that MGM Amazon paid to control these rights, it was probably a lot of money, especially with all the opportunities in the Bond world. Amazon released a press release with a lot of positive quotes about the situation. “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. “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 honored to continue this treasured heritage, and look forward to ushering in the next phase of the legendary 007 for audiences around the world.”“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.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 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.”It'll be interesting to see how the Bond franchise moves forward now. Will they go after directors who want total control or work this into a TV series? What characters are on the table to adapt next? The sky is the limit now that the studio has control. Let us know your thoughts in the comments section.

Feb 20, 2025 - 19:07

MGM Amazon Gains Total Control of the 'James Bond' Franchise

For the last sixty years, the James Bond Franchise was shepherded by the Broccoli Family. When Amazon bought MGM, there was a question of who would make the creative decisions moving forward.

Now, Deadline is reporting a change in who is calling the shots.

There were a lot of rumors that Amazon wanted to spin Bond off for TV shows in the world and other characters. But the producers behind the scenes wanted to keep Bond and the movies feeling special, so they were against this dilution of the brand.

Producers Broccoli and Wilson are co-owners of the franchise, but under a new agreement with MGM Amazon, they have relinquished control to the studio.

While we can't be sure that MGM Amazon paid to control these rights, it was probably a lot of money, especially with all the opportunities in the Bond world.

Amazon released a press release with a lot of positive quotes about the situation.

“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. “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 honored to continue this treasured heritage, and look forward to ushering in the next phase of the legendary 007 for audiences around the world.”

“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.

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 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.”

It'll be interesting to see how the Bond franchise moves forward now. Will they go after directors who want total control or work this into a TV series? What characters are on the table to adapt next?

The sky is the limit now that the studio has control.

Let us know your thoughts in the comments section.