Amazon MGM Studios will take creative control of the James Bond franchise. The Broccoli, heiress family of the saga of Agent 007, have taken a step back. From now on it will be Amazon MGM who decides the future paths who previously controlled the stepbrother Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, since they succeeded their father, producer Albert Cubby Broccoli Amazon had bought MGM in 2022 for 8,500 million dollars (8,000 million euros), with its vast catalog of more than 4,000 films and 17,000 television programs. The package also included the distribution rights of James Bond films. But not the power of creative decision.
As reported Varietythe actors of the operation, Amazon MGM Studios, Wilson and Broccoli, have created a new company to manage the intellectual property rights of Bond. The three parts now remain as co -owners, but Amazon MGM will have creative control. That is, it may decide which actor embodies the agent, or if they are made or spin offs. Traditionally, the Broccoli had tried to protect the brand without overexploitation, as in other franchises. In fact, the last Bond film (number 25, and the fifth and last starring Daniel Craig), No time to diepremiered in 2021, after many delays because of the pandemic. And raised 775 million dollars. Despite the uncertainty of fans and press speculation, there has been no more information about who will be the new James Bond or what will be the production calendar of the next film.
One of the great unknowns had been Craig’s future substitute. What is needed to be Bond? “Presence, charm, personality and interpretive talent,” Wilson told this newspaper in 2022. Could he be an actress? “No,” Broccoli explained, “he will always be a male character. Because Fleming did so. The cinema in general has to generate more female protagonists, without a doubt, but with entity for themselves, not mutating others that previously existed. ”
A stage is over
Mike Hopkins, director of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, thanked the work of Albert R. Broccoli and Harry Saltzman, carrying the figure of the secret agent for cinemas around the world and the heirs for their dedication to the legacy of the franchise. “We are honored to continue with this valuable legacy and we look forward to giving way to the next phase of the legendary 007 for the global public,” he said.
As for the heirs, Barbara Broccoli have also had words for this milestone, remembering their vital dedication in maintaining and expanding, together with their stepbrother, the legacy received. “I have had the honor of working closely with four of the incredibly talented actors that have played 007 and with thousands of wonderful industry artists. With the conclusion of No time to die And Michael’s withdrawal from films, I feel it is time to focus on my other projects. ”