After the deal was announced Amazon founder Jeff Bezos reacted to the news by sharing a post on Instagram asking his followers: “Who’d you pick as the next Bond?” There have been reports in the Wall Street Journal previously about disagreements between Broccoli and Amazon MGM Studios over creative control, with her reportedly saying “don’t have temporary people make permanent decisions”.
“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, said: “Since his theatrical introduction over 60 years ago, James Bond has been one of the most iconic characters in filmed entertainment.
A statement 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”.
Eon Productions, run by Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli – who have produced the franchise for over 60 years, since the death of Albert “Cubby” Broccoli, announced it will be co-owners with 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.
