Bond franchise shake-up moves spy into Amazon stable

AFP | Los Angeles

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In a move that looks set to shake -- and maybe even stir -- one of Hollywood’s most bankable franchises, Amazon MGM Studio is to take creative control of James Bond, as the fictional British spy’s longtime producers step back.

An agreement announced Thursday sees ownership of the rights to 007 shared between the movie behemoth and producers Michael Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, who are heading into retirement.

The news comes four years after the last Bond film, in which Daniel Craig bowed out as the secret agent, with fans left to fill the intervening time with speculation about who will replace him.

Now with Amazon at the helm, the audience may not have to wait too long for the next installment -- or for spin offs. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos wasted no time in soliciting opinions.

“Who’d you pick as the next Bond?” Bezos asked followers on X. The agreement confirms that Wilson and Broccoli will not be involved in the Bond franchise after they signed off in 2021 with “No Time to Die” -- the 25th James Bond movie, which earned $775 million.

Wilson, whose career with 007 spans nearly 60 years, said he would focus on “art and charitable projects,” while Broccoli has announced plans to pursue other ventures.

“We are honoured to continue this treasured heritage,” said Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, noting the franchise’s six-decade impact on film culture.