Amazon MGM Takes Creative Control of James Bond Franchise

Amazon MGM Takes Creative Control of James Bond Franchise

NEW YORK (AP) — In a major shift for the James Bond franchise, Amazon MGM announced Thursday that it has taken creative control of the iconic 007 series, marking the end of decades-long family oversight. Longtime Bond producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli will be stepping back from their roles.

As part of a newly formed joint venture, Amazon MGM Studios, Wilson, and Broccoli will co-own the James Bond intellectual property, but Amazon MGM will now lead the franchise’s creative direction.

While financial details of the deal remain undisclosed, it is expected to be finalized later this year.

“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,” Wilson said in a statement. “Barbara and I agree that the time has come for our trusted partner, Amazon MGM Studios, to take Bond into the future.”