Amazon MGM Studios has agreed a deal with the producers behind James Bond to take over the creative rights of the movies, in a move likely to end speculation over the future direction of the storied spy franchise.
Amazon MGM Studios, and Bond producers Michael Wilson and Barbara Broccoli said on Thursday that they would create a joint venture to house the James Bond intellectual property rights.
Under the terms of the new venture, Amazon MGM Studios will take creative control of the lucrative James Bond franchise for the first time.
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.”
In 2022 Amazon acquired MGM, which brought the rights to distribute all of the James Bond films.
However, the lack of a new Bond movie since 2021 has raised questions about rifts between the partners, amid speculation about differences of opinion over the future direction of the franchise.