Going to need all myJames Bondfans and friends to take a breath or moment of silence, whatever you see fit. For years, long-time producersBarbara Broccoliand Michael G. Wilson have spearheaded the 007 franchise while also preserving its integrity every step of the way. It was a partnership and union that made this particular franchise different from most because it made it feel safe fromunnecessary offshoots and spin-offsthat might tarnish the brand. Well,it looks like those days are over because creative control has shifted hands, and it could lead to the James Bond franchise becoming the very thing that many fans have long feared.
According toVariety,Amazon MGM Studioshas now taken complete creative control of the James Bond franchise.This news comes alongside the intel that Broccoli and Wilson will be taking a step back, at least in a creative capacity. According to the new arrangement, Amazon MGM Studios, Broccoli, and Wilson have formed a new business venture to house and maintain the James Bond intellectual property, and all three will continue to stand as co-owners of the lucrative franchise. Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, had this to say about the new business arrangement:
“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.”
Barbara Broccoli & Michael G. Wilson Have Maintained the Integrity of the James Bond Franchise for Years
Wilson has been with the 007 franchise for nearly 60 years, while Broccoli took over the brand in 1995 from her father, Albert “Cubby” Broccoli. The franchise has long been a family affair, with Wilson also being Broccoli’s half-brother. Once they inherited the rights following the death of Cubby Broccoli, they became producers of the franchise and oversaw every element of the brand, including casting (which has been crucial) and plot development. This news is bound to be sad for many as it feels like a big corporation is coming in and plans on steering the franchise into uncharted territory for a quick buck that might sacrifice much of its creative integrity.
Despite this, both parties seem very positive as they step into this new venture with a franchise they hold dear. Wilson said:
“With my 007 career spanning nearly 60 incredible years, I am stepping back from producing 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.”
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Perhaps Broccoli’s statement is the most poignant, as it points to how dedicated she has been to making sure the legacy of the franchise has endured over the years. Of course, none of us were in the room when this decision was made, but it can’t have been easy to relinquish creative control of something that has been in the family for so many years. Thestruggles of where to take the franchise nexthave been well-chronicled and thesearch for a new Bond has been a frequent story, even before Daniel Craig’s last hurrah inNo Time to Die. That said, Broccoli kept it classy as she passed the baton to Amazon MGM Studios.
“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 honor 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 acquired MGMback in 2022, and with it, they inherited more than 4,000 films and a staggering 17,000 TV shows. Acquiring MGM gave them the rights to distribute the James Bond films, and now, with this new deal, they have creative control as well. According to reports, no plans have been made about casting a new Bond or what will happen with the next film, but don’t be surprised if you start to see a James Bond Extended Universe. Hate to use those words, but Hollywood is gonna Hollywood.
No Time to Die
