Amazon MGM Studios to take on James Bond via JV with Michael Wilson and Barbara Broccoli

Most recent James Bond movie No Time to Die

Amazon MGM Studios is launching a joint venture with James Bond producers and co-owners Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli that will house the intellectual property rights to the property.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Amazon MGM Studios said it will gain “creative control” of the James Bond franchise following closure of the transaction, while Wilson and Broccoli will “remain co-owners” of the franchise.

Amazon has held the rights to distribute the entire Bond catalogue since 2022, when it completed its US$8.45bn acquisition of MGM.

While the franchise has primarily lived in the film world, Amazon has since commissioned the unscripted series 007: Road to a Million, which debuted in September 2023 and has been renewed for a second season.

“Since his theatrical introduction over 60 years ago, James Bond has been one of the most iconic characters in filmed entertainment,” said Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios.

“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, who has been involved with the franchise for almost six decades, said he was “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.”

“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,” added Broccoli.

“I have had the honour 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.”