James Bondhas just experienced a big shakeup, with the creative control of the franchise changing hands for the first time in 63 years. After the release of the first 007 movie in 1962 withDr. No, a handful of actors have played the iconic British spy. The Broccoli family, including Cubby Broccoli and, later, Barbara Broccoli, have held creative control over the franchise through all these iterations, alongside Michael G. Wilson. Actor Daniel Craig bid farewell to 007 withNo Time To Diein 2021, but few updates have since arrived about theannouncedJames Bond 26.
Amazon MGM Studios, which purchased Bond distributor MGM in 2022, now announces that the company has formed a new joint venture with producers Barbara Broccoli and Wilson to house theJames Bondfranchise.This will give Amazon MGM Studios creative control over the franchise, taking it away from Broccoli and Wilson for the first time. Both Broccoli and Wilson will, however, remain co-owners of the IP. Wilson shared the following statement about the decision:
“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."
Broccoli shared a separate statement about the shift for the franchise, explaining that she will be focusing on “other projects” followingNo Time To Die:
“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 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.“
Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios head Mike Hopkins also commented on the company acquiring creative control of the franchise, expressing gratitude for the Broccoli family’s shepherding of the IP these past decades while also teasing the “next phase”:
“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.”
Expect Lots More 007
Since theending ofNo Time To Diein 2021, there has been very little official movement onJames Bond 26. Though there have been plenty of casting and director rumors, there has been nothing that Broccoli or Wilson have confirmed. A recent report fromThe Wall Street Journalexplored the lack of any concreteBond 26updates, claiming that Broccoli and Amazon were butting heads about the future of the franchise.Broccoli, the report claims, was said to be frustrated with the company’s treatment ofBondas “content,“which included talk of streaming spinoffs and TV shows.
A James Bond TV Show Would Never Work (& This Forgotten 2019 Flop Proved It)
While the James Bond franchise’s producers avoiding TV spinoffs may seem disappointing, one small-screen flop proves 007 belongs only in cinemas.
With Amazon MGM Studios now having creative control overBond, it’s very likely thatBond 26will be fast-tracked. It’s also likely thatlots of 007 “content” is on the horizon, including spinoffs and TV shows. It seems unlikely, however, that this shift will mean a drastic change toBond 26’s distribution in terms of theatrical play. The company has previously expressed interest in remaining committed to putting select movies in theaters, and recentBondmovies have all been big box office successes. With Amazon now in control, though, anything is possible.
Who will play 007 inBond 26has been the subject of much speculation, with actors like Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Theo James, and James Norton all touted as potential options. An official casting announcement is now probably not far off.
Our Take On Amazon MGM Studios Taking Control Of James Bond
There Are Pros & Cons
Bondremains immensely valuable as a piece of IP, and Amazon will definitely be looking to capitalize on that. For those who have been frustrated by the lack of movement on the franchise sinceNo Time To Die, this could be good news.MoreBondis definitely on the way, and probably more than just a single feature film.
The risk here, of course, is thatBondstarts to feel a little less special. If there areBondspinoffsand a 007 TV show on top of more feature films,it could start to feel like franchise overload. The years-long gaps between movies help to build anticipation, and audiences missing a franchise makes each new release feel like a big deal. Many questions remain about just what theJames Bondfranchise’s future looks like under Amazon’s creative control, but there will certainly be no shortage of 007 “content” for years to come.
