Amazon MGM Studios takes creative control of James Bond franchise

In a move that will no doubt shake (and stir) the industry, Amazon MGM Studios is taking creative control of the James Bond franchise.

Long-time 007 producers and guardians Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli will be stepping back, forming a new joint venture with Amazon MGM Studios to manage the James Bond intellectual property rights.

While Wilson and Broccoli remain co-owners, Amazon MGM will now call the creative shots. The duo first paired up as co-producers on GoldenEye (1995), and they have overseen every instalment since, including Daniel Craig’s tenure as 007.

“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 in a statement.

“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.”

“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.

The shock announcement comes after recent reports of tension between Broccoli and Amazon. “Don’t have temporary people make permanent decisions,” she reportedly said, as well as this more colourful nugget: “These people are fucking idiots.”

Per a report in The Wall Street Journal, Broccoli “has told friends she doesn’t trust algorithm-centric Amazon with a character she helped to mythologize through big-screen storytelling and gut instinct.”

Now, with Amazon firmly at the helm, the future of Bond is heading into new, uncharted territory. And the big question still remains – who will slip into the iconic tuxedo next? Could we see a Bond who’s female, non-British, or a person of colour?