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Amazon MGM Studios,
Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli today announced that they have
formed a new joint venture to house the James Bond intellectual property
rights, and those parties will remain co-owners of the franchise. Under
the terms of the new venture, Amazon MGM Studios will gain creative
control of the James Bond franchise following closing of the transaction.
“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.” |
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“With my 007 career
spanning nearly sixty incredible years, I am 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,” said Wilson.
“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. 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,” commented Broccoli.
In 2022, Amazon acquired MGM, including a vast catalogue with more than
4,000 films and 17,000 TV shows. Since the MGM acquisition, Amazon has
held rights to distribute all of the James Bond films, and as a result of
this transaction will have creative control over future productions. |
