NEW YORK (AP) — In a James Bond shakeup that stirred the movie trade, Amazon MGM introduced Thursday that the studio has taken the artistic reins of the 007 franchise after a long time of household management. Longtime Bond custodians Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli mentioned they’d be stepping again.
Amazon MGM Studios, Wilson and Broccoli shaped a brand new three way partnership through which they may co-own James Bond mental property rights — however Amazon MGM may have artistic management.
Monetary phrases weren’t disclosed. The deal is anticipated to shut someday this 12 months.
“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 mentioned in a press release. “Therefore, Barbara and I agree, it is time for our trusted partner, Amazon MGM Studios, to lead James Bond into the future.”
Amazon purchased MGM Studios in 2022 for $6.1 billion, a purchase order that was considerably motivated by the acquisition of one of many motion pictures’ most beloved and long-running franchises. Because the Daniel Craig period of 007 concluded with 2021’s “No Time to Die,” Broccoli and Wilson have reportedly clashed with Amazon MGM over the route of Bond.
The announcement Thursday implies that for the primary time within the greater than half a century of Bond, a Broccoli will not be greenlighting the subsequent 007 movie, or selecting who inherits his tux. Amazon MGM additionally anticipates increasing the franchise past motion pictures.
“We are grateful to the late Albert R. Broccoli and Harry Saltzman for bringing James Bond to movie theaters 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,” mentioned Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios. “We are honored to continue this treasured heritage, and look forward to ushering in the next phase of the legendary 007 for audiences around the world.”
Bond had been a household enterprise since Albert “Cubby” Broccoli secured the rights to variations of Ian Fleming’s novels and kicked off a run of 25 Bond movies produced by Eon Productions, starting with 1962’s “Dr. No.” These motion pictures have accrued $7.6 billion in field workplace.
In 1995, the elder Broccoli handed over management of Eon to his daughter, Broccoli, and stepson, Wilson. Lately, the 64-year-old Broccoli has largely taken the lead as Wilson, 83, has aged into retirement.
“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,” Broccoli mentioned in a press release. “I’ve had the respect of working intently with 4 of the tremendously proficient actors who’ve performed 007 and 1000’s of fantastic artists inside the trade. With the conclusion of ‘No Time to Die’ and Michael retiring from the movies, I really feel it’s time to concentrate on my different initiatives.”
Broccoli and Wilson’s earlier standoff with Amazon MGM had primarily frozen growth on the subsequent Bond film. No script, director or star has but been introduced for the subsequent installment, an unusually lengthy break for a franchise that has usually spaced movies two or three years aside. Broccoli additionally produced the 2022 movie “Till” and the musical “Buena Vista Social Club,” opening subsequent month on Broadway.
A key level for the producers within the Amazon acquisition of MGM was a dedication to theatrically launch James Bond movies. That Bond’s future is now within the fingers of an e-commerce big with one of many main streaming companies will instantly prompted doubts from some followers about Bond’s new company overloads. Different billion-dollar film franchises, such because the Disney-owned “Star Wars” and Marvel manufacturers, have lately struggled with over-saturation.
Even Joe Russo, co-director of 4 Marvel Cinematic Universe movies together with “Avengers: Endgame,” pleaded to Amazon MGM: “DON’T cinematic universe James Bond.”
“It is one of our last, great theatrical events,” Russo mentioned on X. “Don’t dilute that with a plethora of streaming spin-offs.”
In an interview final fall forward of receiving an honorary Oscar alongside her brother, Broccoli instructed The Related Press that, in an period of upheaval within the film trade, boldness was crucial.
“People are playing it very safe,” Broccoli mentioned. “I think in times of crisis like this, you’ve got to be brave.”
