James Bond producers hand franchise to Amazon after more than 60 years-Tori Brazier-Entertainment – Metro

The producers of the James Bond franchise have handed over creative control to Amazon (Picture: Col Pics/Everett/Rex/Shutterstock)

After more than 60 years in charge, the Broccoli family have ceded creative control of the James Bond franchise to Amazon MGM Studios.

Amazon gained a stake in the 007 franchise’s parent studio Eon, founded in 1961, when it bought MGM in 2022, duly forming its own studio.

However, until now, final say on key production issues would have gone to producers and step-siblings Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, children of famed Bond producer Albert ‘Cubby’ Broccoli – decisions such as casting and director, as fans eagerly await the announcement of a new Bond.

But Amazon MGM Studios and producers Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli have ‘formed a new joint venture to house the James Bond intellectual property rights’, it was announced today.

This sees Broccoli and Wilson ‘remaining co-owners of the franchise’, but Amazon MGM Studios ‘will gain creative control’ of 007.

Wilson, 83, said in a statement to the BBC: ‘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.

Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson have shepherded 007 since 1995 (Picture: Vianney Le Caer/Invision/AP,)

‘Therefore, Barbara and I agree, it is time for our trusted partner, Amazon MGM Studios, to lead James Bond into the future.’

Broccoli, 64, added: ‘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.’

This comes amid rampant speculation over the cause of perceived delays in the run-up to the next James Bond film, after Daniel Craig retired from the role in 2021 with No Time to Die.

While the rumour mill offering plenty of front-runners for the role, such as Aaron Taylor-Johnson, whose casting was denied in March 2024, there had only been breadcrumbs so far from the producers.

In November, they confirmed that the next Bond would be male, in his 30s and that they were open to casting a non-white actor.

But since then, sources have reported on tensions between Eon and Amazon with their approach to the franchise.

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.’

This is a breaking news story, more to follow soon… Check back shortly for further updates.

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

For more stories like this, check our entertainment page.

Follow Metro.co.uk Entertainment on Twitter and Facebook for the latest celeb and entertainment updates. You can now also get Metro.co.uk articles sent straight to your device. Sign up for our daily push alerts here.

Entertainment – MetroRead More