Amazon Takes Creative Control Of James Bond.
Perhaps Eon was trying to tell us something about James Bond at the end of No Time To Die (2021). The final scenes saw Bond seemingly perish.
Four years later, Amazon MGM Studios officially took creative control of the James Bond series.
Amazon’s acquisition of MGM in 2022 granted Amazon co-ownership of the Bond franchise, alongside Eon Productions, the family-run company founded in 1961 by Albert “Cubby” Broccoli. Creative control remained with Barbara Broccoli and her half-brother Michael G. Wilson.
Now Amazon MGM Studios steps into the driver’s seat of the Aston Martin for future Bond projects.
The move follows reports of disagreement between Amazon and Eon. Eon was wary of Amazon’s push to transform James Bond into a cinematic universe, complete with spinoffs and television series. Eon preferred standalone films. Today’s agreement suggests the stalemate is broken, with Wilson and Broccoli remaining co-owners but ceding creative control to Amazon.
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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 Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli for their unyielding dedication and look forward to ushering in the next phase of the legendary 007.”
Bond fans have reason to be apprehensive. Amazon’s track record with high-budget franchises like The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power hints at ambition but also problems when it comes to being faithful to the source material. Likewise, Disney’s acquisition of Star Wars has led to as many complaints as congratulations. Will the trend be bucked for the James Bond franchise?
Michale G. Wilson, reflecting on his nearly 60-year tenure with Bond, said…
“Barbara and I agree it is time for our trusted partner, Amazon MGM Studios, to lead James Bond into the future.”
As the dust settles, the questions remain: will 007’s martinis still be shaken, not stirred…or will they just be shaken under Amazon’s control? The answer about future James Bond projects is top secret for now.
In the meantime, check out the Bond On series from The Last Movie Outpost for an in-depth look at the James Bond films. No matter what, Amazon can’t take those away from fans!