The family behind the James Bond film franchise is officially relinquishing creative control of the spy thriller series for the first time in more than 60 years.
On Thursday, Amazon MGM Studios announced that it had struck a new joint venture with the franchise’s longtime producers Barbara Broccoli and her half-brother, Michael G. Wilson.
Once the deal closes, the entertainment studio will gain complete artistic control of all forthcoming James Bond films.
Broccoli, 64, and Wilson, 83, will remain co-owners of the movie franchise, which is based on author Ian Fleming’s acclaimed spy novels.
Albert R. Broccoli, father of Barbara Broccoli, co-founded the British production company behind the 007 films, EON Productions, with fellow film producer Harry Saltzman in 1961.
The following year, they produced their first James Bond film, “Dr. No,” featuring award-winning actor Sean Connery as the charismatic British secret agent.
Connery, who died in 2020 at the age of 90, reprised his role as Agent 007 in five more films: “From Russia With Love” (1963), “Goldfinger” (1964), “Thunderball” (1965), “You Only Live Twice” (1967), and “Diamonds Are Forever” (1971).
Saltzman later sold his stake in EON Productions, and in 1995, Albert R. Broccoli passed down the reins to his son and daughter.
James Bond was later portrayed on the big screen by actors Roger Moore, who died in 2017 at age 89, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan, and Daniel Craig.
“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,” she continued.
“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.”
Wilson said he would be stepping back from his role as a producer on the franchise to focus on art and charitable projects.
“Barbara and I agree, it is time for our trusted partner, Amazon MGM Studios, to lead James Bond into the future,” he said.
EON Productions has produced a total of 25 Bond films, the most recent being the 2021 action thriller “No Time to Die,” starring Craig.
Craig previously played Bond in “Casino Royale” (2006), “Quantum of Solace” (2008), “Skyfall” (2012), and “Spectre” (2015).
In a statement shared with Variety, Craig expressed gratitude to Broccoli and Wilson for their many years of stewardship.
“I wish Michael a long, relaxing (and well deserved) retirement and whatever ventures Barbara goes on to do, I know they will be spectacular and I hope I can be part of them.”
Amazon acquired MGM for $8.5 billion in 2022, giving the e-commerce giant access to an extensive catalog of more than 4,000 films and 17,000 television shows. The transaction also granted Amazon the distribution rights to all James Bond films.
“Since his theatrical introduction over 60 years ago, James Bond has been one of the most iconic characters in filmed entertainment,” Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, said in a statement.
“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,” Hopkins added.
“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.”
