What prompted Amazon MGM Studios to take creative control of the James Bond franchise?

Amazon MGM Studios took creative control following a joint venture with Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, who are stepping back from producing the films. This move comes after Amazon acquired MGM in 2022, gaining distribution rights for Bond films.

What does this change mean for the future of the James Bond franchise?

The change allows Amazon MGM Studios to lead the creative direction of the franchise, potentially expanding it beyond films. This could involve new storylines, characters, or formats, such as origin stories or spin-offs.

What is the status of the search for a new James Bond actor?

There has been speculation about who could take over the role of James Bond, but no official announcement has been made. Amazon MGM Studios will be responsible for determining the next actor to play 007.

How does this change affect Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson's roles in the franchise?

Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson will step back from producing the James Bond films. They will remain co-owners of the franchise but will no longer be involved in its creative direction.

10 sources·Entertainment

Amazon Takes Creative Control of James Bond Franchise: A New Era Begins

Amazon MGM Studios has acquired full creative control over the James Bond franchise, signaling a shift from longtime producers Broccoli and Wilson.

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Experts have raised concerns about the consolidation of streaming services, and the potential loss of original content in favor of popular reboots.
Amazon has acquired creative control of the 'James Bond' franchise
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A repositioning of of the brand could see Amazon try to take the franchise in a direction that appeals more to a younger audience as well as an American market, which is culturally slightly cooler on the Bond brand than the UK.
James Bond: What could the Amazon deal mean for 007's future?
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Amazon MGM Studios will now guide its creative future.
Amazon MGM Takes Over James Bond Franchise as Longtime Producers Cede Creative Control
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Gaining creative control will give Amazon the power to move forward without approval from Wilson and Broccoli, who have acted as careful guardians of the integrity of a character originally created in 1953 by author Ian Fleming.
James Bond producers give Amazon full creative control of 007
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However, since Amazon got involved, things have been shaky.
Jeff Bezos asks 'who'd you pick as the next Bond' after Amazon takes control of franchise
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The deal marks the end of the iron grip the Broccoli family had on the franchise.
Amazon MGM Studios Takes Creative Control Over James Bond Films
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The tech behemoth also earned the rights to distribute all the Bond movies, but the new deal solidifies the company's oversight of 007's big-screen future.
Amazon is taking control of the James Bond movie franchise
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That will change with the new deal.
Longtime James Bond producers give up creative control to Amazon MGM Studios
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The announcement Thursday means that for the first time in the more than half a century of Bond, a Broccoli won’t be greenlighting the next 007 film, or picking who inherits his tux.
Amazon MGM takes creative reins of James Bond, ending an era of family control of 007
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Feb 20th, 2025, 5:35 PM ET

Summary

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Amazon MGM Studios has officially taken creative control of the James Bond franchise after a new joint venture with producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson. This development, following Amazon's acquisition of MGM in 2022, ends the Broccoli family's stewardship of the franchise, which began in the 1960s. Though Broccoli and Wilson remain co-owners, they will no longer direct the franchise’s creative vision. Fans speculate about a potential new direction for Bond, with options like character origin stories. The search for a new 007 is reportedly underway, as Amazon aims to reinvigorate a franchise that has been stagnant since 'No Time to Die' in 2021.

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