Deal struck with heirs to legendary film producer Albert ‘Cubby’ Broccoli, long-serving stewards of franchise. James Bond is now in the hands of a billionaire’s business empire, after Amazon announced it has acquired creative control of the spy franchise from the Broccoli dynasty.
Amazon MGM Studios said it had struck a deal with Michael G Wilson, and Barbara Broccoli, the heirs to the legendary film producer Albert “Cubby” Broccoli, and long-time stewards of the Bond films. The agreement will give Amazon “creative control” of the franchise, potentially opening the door to production starting on a long-awaited new film and also to a variety of spin-off TV shows for the Amazon Prime streaming service.
“Since his theatrical introduction over 60 years ago, James Bond has been one of the most iconic characters in filmed entertainment,” said Mike Hopkins, the head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios. He said was grateful to Wilson and 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.”. Details of the terms of the deal with Amazon, founded by the world’s second richest man, Jeff Bezos, were not immediately disclosed.
