Amazon has officially taken creative control of the legendary James Bond franchise, marking the end of over 60 years of oversight by the Broccoli family, who have been instrumental in the development of the iconic series. The transition was announced on February 20, 2025, with producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson stepping back from their longtime creative roles.
This strategic move sees Amazon MGM Studios forming a new joint venture with the Broccoli family, allowing both parties to share ownership over the James Bond intellectual property rights. Until now, Amazon had primarily controlled the distribution rights for the franchise after its $8.45 billion acquisition of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) in 2022, which had housed the Bond films for decades. Under this new deal, Amazon will now have the creative direction over future Bond projects.
The Bond series has been deeply embedded in British culture, dating back to the release of Dr. No in 1962. Barbara Broccoli, the daughter of the late Albert “Cubby” Broccoli—who co-created the franchise—expressed her dedication to preserving and building upon its legacy during this transition. "My life has been dedicated to maintaining and building upon the extraordinary legacy... I feel it is time to focus on my other projects," she stated.
Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, emphasized the significance of continuing this 'treasured heritage' and looked forward to beginning 'the next phase of the legendary 007 for audiences around the world.' This announcement follows the speculation surrounding the future of the franchise, particularly since the last Bond film, No Time To Die, was released to great acclaim and marked the end of Daniel Craig’s tenure as the titular character.
With Craig's departure, the identity of the next Bond has been widely speculated, with names like Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Henry Cavill, and James Norton being floated; yet no official confirmation has been made.
This pivotal shift raises questions about the franchise's future direction under Amazon's stewardship. Insights from industry experts suggest this could herald new opportunities for growth within the series, potentially seeing the legendary spy venture beyond films and onto television platforms, as Amazon seeks to leverage its vast streaming resources.
Both Broccoli and Wilson, who have served as guardians of the franchise, stated they would remain co-owners and are set to focus on other creative avenues, including art and charitable projects. Wilson shared, "With my 007 career spanning nearly 60 incredible years, I am stepping back to focus on... future endeavors." This statement encapsulates the bittersweet nature of this transition for long-time fans of the series, who have grown accustomed to the Broccoli family's involvement.
The impact of Amazon's creative control is already being felt, as the streaming giant plans to introduce new developments within the franchise. The studio previously launched 007: Road to A Million, a reality show formatted around Bond’s iconic themes, which, though met with mixed reviews, indicated Amazon's intent to modernize the franchise.
Historically, the James Bond films have been immense box office success stories, with three of the latest installments - Skyfall, Spectre, and No Time To Die - each securing their spots among the top ten highest-grossing films at the UK box office of modern times. The series boasts impressive figures, with Skyfall alone grossing over £134 million. Such statistics underline the financial significance of the franchise, which is now likely to attract even greater investment under Amazon's control.
Aside from new film ventures, the potential for Bond-themed television shows could diversify and expand the franchise’s reach. Insights published by The Wall Street Journal raised speculation about Amazon MGM Studios aiming to branch Bond’s adventures onto other platforms. This prospective expansion reflects broader trends within the entertainment industry, where streaming services are increasingly investing heavily to deliver original content.
Despite the excitement surrounding the renewal of the franchise, some fans remain cautious about the impending changes. The Broccoli family's stewardship has cultivated a lineage of films characterized by their adherence to the traditional spirit of Bond. Viewers now appear divided between nostalgia for the old guard and intrigue about the new path under Amazon's influence.
The official reveal of the next Bond film and the actor set to don the tuxedo remains uncertain. The question looms over the franchise: Will the beloved character evolve to meet contemporary expectations, or will the core essence of Bond remain intact?
Whatever the outcome, Amazon's acquisition indicates significant shifts on the horizon for one of cinema's most enduring franchises. With the creative reins now firmly held by Amazon MGM Studios, fans and industry watchers alike are eager to see what innovations and interpretations await the world's favorite secret agent.