Amazon MGM Studios has announced a new joint venture deal with James Bond franchise co-owners Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli. The new deal has now officially granted Amazon MGM creative control over the blockbuster spy franchise after nearly four years since Amazon acquired the rights to the iconic character through its merger with MGM back in 2021.
According to their new joint venture deal, Amazon MGM Studios will |house the James Bond intellectual property rights,” while long-time James Bond producers Wilson and Broccoli will remain co-owners of the franchise. At the moment, plans for the next James Bond movie have yet to be revealed, as casting speculations about which actor would be chosen to become the next 007 continue to circulate online. Among the popular rumored choices are Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Richard Madden, Idris Elba, Tom Hardy, and Henry Cavill.
“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,” Barbara Broccoli shared. “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.”
Amazon MGM Studios executive comments on its new James Bond deal
“Since his theatrical introduction over 60 years ago, James Bond has been one of the most iconic characters in filmed entertainment,” Amazon MGM Studios and Prime Video head Mike Hopkins said 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 honored to continue this treasured heritage and look forward to ushering in the next phase of the legendary 007 for audiences around the world.”
Wilson added, “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.”
