After nearly seven decades under British family control, the James Bond franchise is set to pass into new hands. Barbara Broccoli and her brother Michael G. Wilson have agreed to relinquish creative control to Amazon, citing a desire for their trusted partner to lead the iconic series forward. The deal marks a significant shift in the franchise’s ownership structure.
Amazon gained an 80% stake in the Bond franchise as part of its $8.5 billion purchase of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer in 2021. However, creative control remained with Broccoli and Wilson. Under the new arrangement, Amazon MGM Studios will take over, gaining full creative control after the transaction closes later this year.
Barbara Broccoli, 64, expressed her willingness to step aside, stating that she wants to focus on other projects. Her brother, Michael G. Wilson, 83, also plans to retire from producing. The siblings’ ironclad control over the franchise, including creative decisions and marketing partnerships, will be relinquished to Amazon.
The Bond franchise is a unique case in Hollywood history, with a global audience and massive revenue streams from various platforms. Broccoli and Wilson have fought to keep Bond as a movie property, resisting television spinoffs that could compromise the character’s value. With Amazon at the helm, it remains to be seen how the new ownership will shape the future of the franchise.
The transition comes after the release of “No Time to Die,” which marked the end of Daniel Craig’s five-film series. No decision has been made on a successor yet. As one of the most valuable and enduring franchises in Hollywood, James Bond’s future is now in Amazon’s hands.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/20/business/amazon-james-bond-franchise.html