James Bond producers hand over full creative control to Amazon after 60 years

It’s been confirmed that a major change is coming to the 007 franchise after more than 60 years.

IN LONDON

The long-serving producers behind James Bond have handed over creative control of the beloved franchise to Amazon MGM Studios.

Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli made the announcement on Thursday after a deal was forged with the entertainment giant to release onto it the intellectual property rights of the British spy tales.

Albert Broccoli and Harry Saltzman first launched the Bond films back in 1962, with Broccoli’s daughter and stepson later taking over.

The family has been producing the films through their UK-based company EON, which is behind some of its biggest commercial successes, including Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace, and Skyfall.

Daniel Craig as James Bond. Picture: Nicola Dove/MGM

Under the new deal, Wilson and Broccoli will remain co-owners of the iconic franchise, while all creative control now moves over to Amazon.

“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,” Wilson said in a statement.

Broccoli added: “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.”

Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli have relinquished creative control of the franchise. Picture: Valerie Macon/AFP

The last Bond movie released was No Time To Die in 2021, which also marked Daniel Craig’s last outing as 007.

Speculation has been rife in Hollywood for years over who will take over the coveted role, with the most recent reports suggesting British actor Aaron-Taylor Johnson was a frontrunner after impressing Broccoli during a screen test.

However, now that she is no longer behind the wheel creatively, that may no longer be the case.

There are currently no plans in place for the next film.