Amazon MGM Takes Creative Reins of James Bond Franchise

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 20, 2025 — Amazon MGM Studios announced Thursday that it has assumed creative control of the iconic James Bond franchise, marking a new era in 007’s storied history. The announcement comes as longtime producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli step back from their roles.

In a historic joint venture formation, Amazon MGM, along with Wilson and Broccoli, have established a new partnership aimed at managing the James Bond intellectual property rights. All three parties will retain co-ownership of the franchise, but Amazon MGM will now lead its creative direction.

“Since his theatrical introduction over 60 years ago, James Bond has been one of the most iconic characters in filmed entertainment,” said Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios. “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. We are honored to continue this treasured heritage and look forward to ushering in the next phase of the legendary 007 for audiences worldwide.”

Wilson, who has been involved with the Bond franchise for nearly six decades, expressed gratitude and support for the transition. “I am stepping back from producing the James Bond films to focus on art and charitable projects,” said Wilson. “Therefore, Barbara and I agree, it is time for our trusted partner, Amazon MGM Studios, to lead James Bond into the future.”

Broccoli echoed Wilson’s sentiments, noting her extensive history with the franchise. “My life has been dedicated to maintaining and building upon the extraordinary legacy handed to Michael and me by our father,” Broccoli stated. “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’s acquisition of MGM in 2022 for $8.5 billion included access to a vast library of over 4,000 films and 17,000 television shows, as well as the distribution rights to all James Bond films. The most recent installment, “No Time to Die,” released in 2021, marked Daniel Craig’s final appearance as 007, earning $775 million globally.

Since Craig’s exit and the release of “No Time to Die,” speculation has persisted concerning the future of the franchise, including the timeline for the next film and Craig’s eventual successor. Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos even solicited input from fans, asking, “Who would you pick as the next Bond?”

Reactions from dedicated Bond fans have been mixed. While some expressed excitement for the potential direction of the franchise under Amazon’s leadership, others have raised concerns, comparing this shift to Amazon’s handling of “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.”

The transition from Broccoli and Wilson to Amazon MGM creates new opportunities and challenges, particularly regarding casting. As the search for the next James Bond continues, the industry watches closely to see how this legacy will evolve.