February 21, 2025: In a major shake-up for the James Bond franchise, Amazon MGM Studios is set to assume creative control, marking a new era for the iconic spy series. This move comes after longtime producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli decided to step back, ceding creative control to the studio while still retaining co-ownership through a new joint venture.
Since James Bond’s debut over six decades ago, the character has become a cultural institution. Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, expressed gratitude to the late Albert R. Broccoli and Harry Saltzman for bringing Bond to cinemas worldwide. He also thanked Wilson and Broccoli for their continued dedication, promising a new chapter for the franchise.
In a statement, Wilson explained that after nearly 60 years in the business, he was stepping back to focus on art and charitable endeavors. Broccoli echoed these sentiments, noting the conclusion of “No Time to Die” and Michael’s retirement as the perfect moment to shift focus to other projects.
The shift comes after Amazon’s $8.5 billion acquisition of MGM in 2022, giving them control over the Bond films and extensive film and TV catalogues. This transition signals a significant change in the future of 007, with Amazon now leading the charge into the next phase of the spy franchise.