It was announced today that Amazon MGM Studios will be taking over creative control of the James Bond franchise, ending over 60 years of the Broccoli family overseeing the film series.
It was announced today (February 20) that producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli are stepping back from the creative process and handing over control of the beloved franchise to the studio.
A new joint venture between the two parties sees both share the intellectual property rights, with creative control moving to Amazon MGM Studios as part of the deal and both parties retaining ownership. There has been no official announcement regarding the next James Bond film, with the last being Daniel Craig’s farewell in 2021’s No Time To Die.
Amazon acquired the rights to the James Bond franchise in 2021 when they purchased studio Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM). The acquisition gave them access to the previous films and distribution of future movies, but up until now not the creative direction.
Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli are the children of Albert “Cubby” Broccoli, the producer of every official Bond film from 1962’s Dr. No to 1989’s Licence To Kill. He stepped down before 1995’s GoldenEye, with his children taking over as producers and him serving as consultant producer. He died in 1996 aged 87.
In a statement, Wilson said: “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. Therefore, Barbara and I agree, it is time for our trusted partner, Amazon MGM Studios, to lead James Bond into the future”.
Barbara Broccoli added: “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”.
Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios stated: “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”.
Recently, the James Bond name made the headlines as part of a legal dispute, with a Dubai-based developer seeking to take control of certain copyrights surrounding the franchise.
The post James Bond’s long-serving producers step down as Amazon take creative control appeared first on NME.
James Bond’s long-serving producers step down as Amazon take creative control
Source: Pinas Mabuhay
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