Amazon MGM gains creative control over James Bond movie franchise

[Skye Jacobs]

What just happened? Amazon MGM Studios has secured creative control over the iconic James Bond franchise as part of a new joint venture formed with Amazon MGM Studios, Michael G. Wilson, and Barbara Broccoli, the long-standing producers of the 007 series. As the dust settles on this landmark deal, all eyes will be on Amazon MGM Studios to see how it will shape the future of one of cinema's most enduring and beloved characters.

The newly established partnership will house the James Bond intellectual property rights, with Amazon MGM Studios, Wilson, and Broccoli remaining co-owners of the franchise. However, the significant shift lies in the creative control, which will now rest with Amazon MGM Studios once the transaction is finalized.

This move marks a significant change in the franchise's management, as the Broccoli family has been at the helm of James Bond productions since Albert "Cubby" Broccoli and Harry Saltzman launched the film series in 1962.

The deal represents a notable shift in Barbara Broccoli's stance towards Amazon.

After Amazon's substantial $6.5 billion acquisition of MGM Studios, which included the rights to distribute Bond films, the franchise's future hit a snag, with the partnership between Amazon and the family controlling James Bond's destiny deteriorating significantly. The strained relationship effectively halted any plans for a new Bond movie, dealing a blow to Amazon's Hollywood aspirations. This setback was particularly significant given that the Bond franchise was a major factor in the hefty price tag Amazon paid for MGM.

The ultimate authority over Bond's cinematic future rested with Barbara Broccoli, who inherited this responsibility from her father. For three decades, she had been the key decision-maker regarding the production of new Bond films.

Broccoli had been vocal about her concerns regarding Amazon's potential impact on the franchise. She was reportedly skeptical of the studio's algorithmically-driven approach to developing entertainment projects, even telling friends that "These people are f – idiots." Because of the impasse, the last James Bond film produced was "No Time to Die," released in September 2021.

However, both parties have managed to overcome their differences. In a statement, Broccoli expressed her desire to focus on other projects after dedicating her life to maintaining and building upon her father's legacy. Wilson echoed this sentiment, stating their trust in Amazon MGM to lead James Bond into the future.

Who'd you pick as the next Bond? pic.twitter.com/u7nBaRROlf

– Jeff Bezos (@JeffBezos) February 20, 2025

The announcement has sparked immediate speculation about the future of the James Bond franchise, fueled by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, who took to social media shortly after the announcement, asking his followers who they would pick as the next James Bond. This move suggests that the search for a new 007 may already be underway, with popular suggestions including Henry Cavill, James McAvoy, Tom Cruise, and Theo James.

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Amazon MGM gains creative control over James Bond movie franchise

 

[noel24]

There's few good actors for the role, but, boy-oh-boy, Jeff Bezos is definitely a great villain... and Elon for the next movie, and Mark for the third.

 

[GeforcerFX]

My mom loved the Bond films so I grew up watching them and they are some of my favorites as well. Sad to see Barbara won't be in control any more she did a great job keeping the franchise alive in the 2000's with Daniel Craig as Bond. After seeing what Amazon did with the LOTR I have little hope for the future of 007.

 

[Dr Roboto]

Bond films are an interesting mix that have changed a lot over the years. Opinions on which actor and films are the best seem to depend on when you started watching them. As a kid growing up watching rerun Bond films on TV (not in the theater), I got into the series when Roger Moore was the lead. I mean, how does anyone not love a movie named Octo*****?!

I don’t care much for the ’60s films. I know Sean Connery was the man, and they were good, but maybe just too old for me. I didn’t like Timothy Dalton, but I did like the Pierce Brosnan films a little. GoldenEye was good, though maybe more because of the Nintendo 64 game. I don’t really care for the Daniel Craig movies, especially the last few.

That said, I can only hope a new studio and lead actor bring back some fun to the movies (more Guardians of the Galaxy first movie and not Thor: Love and Thunder). The Craig films feel dark and dull to me. I guess I just preferred Moore’s lighter, campier, and more comedic style. His Bond relied more on charm and gadgets rather than brute force.

 

[unoficialoficial]

They should think out of the box and focus on developing a compelling story but with fewer action scenes than usual for the franchise and hire Patrick Stewart for the role, given his extensive experience, his charisma and his distinct voice. I believe he would excel even at the age of 85, surpassing Sean Connery. As for the car, I would choose an Aston Martin Valour in a vibrant color. But in general, it's essential to first prioritize a strong narrative before selecting an actor who aligns with the story's vision.

 

[LetTheWookieWin]

As a lifelong Bond fan, my expectations are very low that anything good comes of this. Hopefully the new movies aren’t the degenerate s—pieces that Disney turned Star Wars into. I don’t want to see another favorite franchise ruined.

 

[VitalyT]

Looking forward to Amazon's "Jack Pawn - XXX-7", in which Jack takes on 7 spy ladies in the bed, like White snow on 7 dwarfs, but in reverse.

 

[Squid Surprise]

 

[Gars]

No

 

[p51d007]

I gave up on Bond movies after I saw the first one with Craig. NOTHING against him...I've seen him in a few other movies and he was great.
The problem is I grew up from the first Bond movie "Dr. No". The Bond movies today have been "neutered" No real Bond girls, no off color/sexist/racist humor. They've become more dark.

 

[dioholydiver]

Oh god no, it only means they will cast a tranny.

 

[Underdog]

I've heard Trump has put himself forward for the part.

 

[OortCloud]

Given what Amazon's teeth-clenchingly bad screen writers did with Rings of Power I fully expect awful cardboard-cut-out one dimensional characters, a plot thinner than Gwyneth Paltrow, banal dialog and dreary, predictable storylines. A corporate, written by committee, mulch not fit for human consumption.

 

[Zsoltblabla]

So… the next 007 is a black trans lesbian in a wheelchair!

 

[trparky]

Given what Amazon's teeth-clenchingly bad screen writers did with Rings of Power I fully expect awful cardboard-cut-out one dimensional characters, a plot thinner than Gwyneth Paltrow, banal dialog and dreary, predictable storylines. A corporate, written by committee, mulch not fit for human consumption.

Yep. Couldn't agree more.