Could this be the end of James Bond films as we know it as a shock announcement today (originally posted on Variety) has confirmed that Amazon MGM Studios are set to take creative control over the franchise.
This announcement has sent shockwaves across the internet because long time producers and custodians of 007 Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson will be stepping back from their roles.
Both Wilson and Broccoli have formed a new joint venture to house the IP rights and will remain co-owners of the franchise but Amazon MGM will have creative control.
Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios said:
Since his theatrical introduction over 60 years ago, James Bond has been one of the most iconic characters in filmed entertainment.
We are grateful to the late Albert R. Broccoli and Harry Saltzman for bringing James Bond to movie theatres around the world, and to Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli for their unyielding dedication and their role in continuing the legacy of the franchise that is cherished by legions of fans worldwide.
We are honoured to continue this treasured heritage, and look forward to ushering in the next phase of the legendary 007 for audiences around the world.
Wilson added:
With my 007 career spanning nearly 60 incredible years, I am stepping back from producing the James Bond films to focus on art and charitable projects. Therefore, Barbara and I agree, it is time for our trusted partner, Amazon MGM Studios, to lead James Bond into the future.
Broccoli commented:
My life has been dedicated to maintaining and building upon the extraordinary legacy that was handed to Michael and me by our father, producer Cubby Broccoli. I have had the honor of working closely with four of the tremendously talented actors who have played 007 and thousands of wonderful artists within the industry. With the conclusion of ‘No Time to Die’ and Michael retiring from the films, I feel it is time to focus on my other projects.
Personally speaking, I think this is a move that will backfire quite horrendously as Amazon have been acquiring IPs and gutting them much like the new Lord of the Rings series which was quite poor (in my opinion) and I do worry that the love and care that both Wilson and Broccoli had over the franchise will be handled in a much more lackadaisical way moving forward.
I do hope I’m wrong but for a Bond fan to read this devastating news this afternoon, I do worry that this could very well be the end of James Bond as we know it.
