More details have been revealed about Amazon’s deal to take creative control of the James Bond franchise.
The announcement that Amazon MGM Studios will be taking over full control of the Bond IP came yesterday (February 20), as it was confirmed that long-term producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson would be stepping down.
According to Deadline, the deal is costing Amazon around £794.5 million ($1 billion). The move comes after the streaming giant overpaid on its original purchase of MGM, shelling out £6.75 billion ($8.5 billion) – more than double its valuation – for the movie studio in 2022.
Amazon made the deal to allow them full creative command over the franchise, which they had not been able to develop freely whilst Broccoli and Wilson were still involved. The pair took over from their father Albert “Cubby” Broccoli, who produced every official Bond film from 1962’s Dr. No to 1989’s Licence To Kill.
As Deadline reports, the main factor in Amazon seeking creative control was the goal of expanding Bond into its own cinematic universe, like that of Marvel or Star Wars, which could potentially include spin-off movies and TV shows. That hasn’t happened until now because Broccoli and Wilson maintained that the spy series should remain a big-screen property.
There have been attempts to develop a spin-off movie before, most recently around Halle Berry’s Die Another Day character Jinx, but Broccoli and Wilson halted the project due to creative differences.
Regarding their surprise at Broccoli stepping down, one source told Deadline: “She’s a fighter, but she got tired of fighting.” Another said that it must have been an “emotional decision” for her.
In response to the publication of this story, representatives for Amazon MGM Studios said: “Amazon MGM Studios, Michael G. Wilson, and Barbara Broccoli today announced that they have formed a new joint venture to house the James Bond intellectual property rights, and those parties will remain co-owners of the franchise.”
This change could also allow more big-name directors to take on a Bond movie, now that they’ll have full creative control without Broccoli and Wilson’s input. Quentin Tarantino and Christopher Nolan are among those who’ve expressed interest in taking on Bond previously.
Former Bond Daniel Craig, whose final appearance in the franchise was 2021’s No Time To Die, has shared a statement on the new development. It said: “My respect, admiration and love for Barbara and Michael remain constant and undiminished.”
There is still no news on the actor that will become the next 007, though Amazon boss Jeff Bezos put the question to X users after news broke of the production deal.
Nosferatu star Aaron Taylor-Johnson has long been rumoured to be taking on the iconic role, though he recently said he’s focusing on “more original material”. Leo Woodall, who can currently be seen in Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy, said last week (February 17) that he’d be interested in being Bond if he was asked.