In an upheaval of James Bond which aroused the film industry, Amazon MGM announced Thursday that the studio had taken the creative reins of the franchise 007 after decades of family control. Longtime Bond Guardians Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli said they would take a step back.
Amazon MGM Studios, Wilson and Broccoli have formed a new joint venture in which they are co -owners James Bond Intellectual Proteg Rights – but Amazon MGM will have creative control.
The financial conditions have not been disclosed. The agreement is expected to conclude this year.
“With my career 007 extending over almost 60 incredible years, I recover from the production of James Bond films to focus on art and charitable projects,” Wilson said in a statement. “Consequently, Barbara and I agree, it is time for our trusted partner, Amazon MGM Studios, to drive James Bond in the future.”
Amazon bought MGM Studios in 2022 for $ 6.1 billion, a purchase that was considerably motivated by the acquisition of one of the most appreciated and appreciated franchises of the films. From the Daniel Craig era of 007 Concluded with “no time to die” of 2021, “ Broccoli and Wilson would have faced Amazon MGM on the direction of Bond.
The announcement Thursday means that for the first time in addition to half a century of link, a broccoli will not be green green in the next 007 film, or who picks who inherits his tuxedo. Amazon MGM also plans to extend the franchise beyond the films.
Michael Sohn / AP
“We are grateful to the late Albert R. Broccoli and Harry Saltzman for having brought James Bond to cinemas in the world darling by legions of fans around the world,” said Mike Hopkins, Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios manager . “We are honored to continue this precious heritage and we are impatient to set up the next phase of the legendary 007 for the public around the world.”
Bond was a family business since Albert “Cubby” Broccoli obtained the adaptation rights of the novels of Ian Fleming and launched a series of 25 films Bond produced by Eon Productions, starting with “Dr. In 1962 not. “These films accumulated $ 7.6 billion at the box office.
In 1995, the elder Broccoli presented Eon’s control to his daughter, Broccoli, and step-son, Wilson. In recent years, the 64 -year -old broccoli has largely taken the lead while Wilson, 83, has retired.
“My life was devoted to the maintenance and construction of the extraordinary heritage which was given to Michael and I by our father, producer Cubby Broccoli,” said Broccoli in a press release. “I had the honor of working in close collaboration with four of the extremely talented actors who played 007 and thousands of wonderful artists within the industry. With the conclusion of “No Time to Die” and Michael withdrawing films, I think it’s time to focus on my other projects. »»
The Broccoli and Wilson, the previous presentation of Wilson with Amazon MGM, had mainly development on the next Bond film. No script, director or star has yet been announced for the next episode, an unusually long break for a franchise that has generally spaced the films two or three years apart. Broccoli has also produced the 2022 film “Till” And the musical “Buena Vista Social Club”, opening next month in Broadway.
A key point for producers of Amazon’s acquisition from MGM was a commitment to publish in theory James Bond Films. The future of this obligation is now in the hands of an electronic commerce giant with one of the main streaming services will immediately cause doubts of certain fans on new Bond corporate overloads. Other one billion dollars film franchises, such as “Star Wars” and Marvel brands, belonging to Disney, have fought with over-saturation in recent years.
Even Joe Russo, co -director of four Marvel Cinematic Universe films, including “Avengers: Endgame”, pleaded at Amazon MGM: “Don’t Cinematic Universe James Bond”.
“It is one of our last and major theatrical events”, ” Russo said on x. “Don’t dilute this with a plethora of streaming benefits.”
In an interview last fall before receiving an honorary Oscar alongside his brother, Broccoli told the Associated Press that, at a time of upheavals in the film industry, the audacity was necessary.
“People play it safely,” said Broccoli. “I think that in moments of crisis like this, you must be courageous.”