A statement on Thursday said the Broccoli family and Amazon MGM Studios “have formed a new joint venture to house the James Bond intellectual property rights, and those parties will remain co-owners of the franchise”.
James Bond actress Valerie Leon has raised concerns that the franchise will not be British anymore in the wake of Amazon MGM Studios taking creative control over the 007 character.
Eon Productions, run by Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli – who have produced the franchise since the death of Albert “Cubby” Broccoli – are set to remain co-owners with Washington-based Amazon MGM Studios, which has offices in London.
“Under the terms of the new venture, Amazon MGM Studios will gain creative control of the James Bond franchise following closing of the transaction,” the statement added.
There have been reports in the Wall Street Journal previously about disagreements between Broccoli and Amazon MGM Studios over creative control, and claims the company wants to expand Bond into TV and other ventures.
