Amazon MGM to assume creative control over the James Bond franchise.
An era has come to a close as longtime James Bond 007 producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli are stepping down from their producing positions, allowing Amazon MGM to take creative control of future entries in the beloved and enduring franchise centered around the world's most famous superspy.
The 007 franchise has been overseen by the Broccoli family since the inaugural film, 1962's Dr. No, which was produced by Albert R. “Cubby” Broccoli and Harry Saltzman under Eon Productions. In 1995, with the release of GoldenEye, Cubby Broccoli passed control of Eon to his children, Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, who guided the franchise through the eras of both Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig as James Bond.
When Amazon acquired MGM in 2022, they obtained the distribution rights for all previous and forthcoming Bond films, while Broccoli and Wilson continued to hold the creative control that their family has maintained for over six decades. Following the release of Craig’s final film, No Time to Die, in 2021, speculation arose about the next actor to take on the role of James Bond as the producing duo considered the future direction of the franchise in collaboration with Amazon. However, it seems both producers are now ready to step back after decades of involvement with the character.
“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. Consequently, Barbara and I have agreed that it is time for our trusted partner, Amazon MGM Studios, to take James Bond into the future,” stated Wilson.
“My life has been devoted to preserving and enhancing the remarkable legacy entrusted to Michael and me by our father, producer Cubby Broccoli. It has been a privilege to work closely with four incredibly talented actors who have portrayed 007 as well as with thousands of wonderful artists across the industry. With the release of No Time to Die and Michael's retirement from the films, I believe it’s time to focus on my other endeavors,” Broccoli commented.
“Since his debut in theaters over 60 years ago, James Bond has become one of the most iconic figures in cinematic history,” said Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios. “We extend our gratitude to the late Albert R. Broccoli and Harry Saltzman for bringing James Bond to screens worldwide, and to Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli for their unwavering commitment and their role in upholding the legacy of the franchise that has a devoted fanbase around the globe. We are honored to continue this cherished tradition and look forward to initiating the next chapter of the legendary 007 for audiences everywhere.”
This news is quite unexpected and marks a significant shift for the franchise, as creative control is being transferred for the first time in the character's extensive history. Only time will reveal how Amazon MGM will approach the next James Bond film or if they will venture into television, spin-offs, and other media formats.
What are your thoughts on this development? Do you believe that Amazon MGM taking creative control will be beneficial, or does the departure of Broccoli and Wilson signal the end of the James Bond we have known? Share your opinions on our social media channels at @FlickeringMyth…
Ricky Church – Follow me on Bluesky for more movie news and discussions.
Other articles
Grand Tour Trailer: Miguel Gomes' Captivating Journey Premieres This March
Miguel Gomes, the Portuguese director known for The Tsugua Diaries, Arabian Nights, and Tabu, made his much-anticipated comeback at last year's Cannes Film Festival with the captivating journey Grand Tour. After winning Best Director at the festival, MUBI has announced a U.S. release starting March 28, with a streaming debut on their platform following on April 18. Ahead
Jeremy Allen White is set to succeed Daniel Craig in DC's Sgt. Rock.
DC Studios is experiencing some changes in casting for their Luca Guadagnino-directed Sgt. Rock, as THR has reported that Daniel Craig will no longer portray the title character. Although no specific reason has been provided, there are indications that Craig may have lost interest in the role and in collaborating with Guadagnino following the award-nominated Queer [...].
Berlinale Review: Blue Moon is a Sad Melody for Ethan Hawke and Richard Linklater
Dewey Finn, Ned Schneebly, Willoughby, Mason Evans Sr.—and now we have Lorenz (or Larry) Hart. Richard Linklater seems to have a preference for a specific kind of character, and perhaps these traits are less evident in his female roles: charming, talkative, talkative to a fault, exuberant like a puppy, and while they may experience gloomy moments, these never disrupt the overall atmosphere.
In the trailer for Peacock's Long Bright River, Amanda Seyfried is on the hunt for a killer.
Peacock has released a new trailer and images for Long Bright River, a limited drama series adapted from Liz Moore’s bestselling novel in the New York Times. Amanda Seyfried plays Mickey, a Philadelphia police officer who starts to fear that a string of murders in a neighborhood affected by the opioid crisis could be connected to a...
Jack O'Connell is set to join the cast of the Godzilla x Kong sequel.
The forthcoming sequel to Godzilla x Kong has added Jack O’Connell (Ferrari) to its cast. While details about his character are currently under wraps, O’Connell will appear alongside Kaitlyn Dever (The Last of Us) and Dan Stevens, who is set to return as the specialized Titan vet Trapper from Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire.
Allee Willis co-wrote "I'll Be There for You" and "September." Her friends are completing her narrative.
Songwriter Allee Willis contributed to some of the most memorable tunes of the past fifty years, such as Earth Wind & Fire's "September" and the theme song for Friends.
Amazon MGM to assume creative control over the James Bond franchise.
An era concludes as veteran James Bond 007 producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli are stepping away from their producing positions, transferring creative authority to Amazon MGM for upcoming entries in the legendary and enduring franchise featuring the world’s most renowned superspy. The 007 series has been managed by […]