Change of guard for 007 as Amazon’s MGM Studios takes artistic management of Bond franchise
In a significant shakeup for the movie trade, Amazon MGM Studios stated on Thursday it’ll take artistic management of the James Bond franchise from long-serving producers Michael Wilson and Barbara Broccoli.
The deal comes amid mounting hypothesis of the destiny of one of many world’s hottest franchises, after a Wall Avenue Journal report in December stated a conflict between the Broccoli household and the e-commerce large had put Bond’s future on pause.
The final Bond movie, No Time to Die, which garnered practically $800 million US in international field workplace, got here out in 2021, and was additionally Daniel Craig’s final look within the position.
Since then, the franchise has been looking out for a brand new actor to play Bond, and there have been no bulletins almost about the timeline of the subsequent movie.
Amazon had purchased Bond’s dad or mum studio, MGM, in 2022 as part of its media push, which had granted the corporate distribution rights to the long-running motion franchise, however not artistic management.
The cope with MGM had bolstered the tech large’s foray into the media enterprise, because it included an unlimited catalogue with greater than 4,000 movies and 17,000 TV exhibits, serving to it acquire extra floor with streaming rivals Netflix and Disney+.
Doable growth past motion pictures
Beneath the phrases of Thursday’s three way partnership, all events would stay co-owners of the franchise’s mental property rights, however Amazon MGM would have artistic management.
This is able to give the tech large much more freedom in its strategy to the collection, as followers await the twenty sixth Bond movie and the reveal of who will don the enduring tuxedo after Craig’s 2021 exit.
Completely satisfied Valley actor James Norton, Divergent star Theo James and Kick-Ass actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson are amongst these with the very best odds of taking part in the suave spy, in response to betting web site Ladbrokes, though followers have additionally speculated about heavyweights together with Idris Elba and Henry Cavill.
“We’re honoured to proceed this treasured heritage, and stay up for ushering within the subsequent section of the legendary 007 for audiences all over the world,” stated Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios.
The announcement Thursday additionally signifies that for the primary time within the greater than half a century of Bond, a Broccoli will not be greenlighting the subsequent 007 movie, or selecting who inherits his tux. Amazon MGM additionally anticipates increasing the franchise past motion pictures.
Impressed by Ian Fleming’s novels, the Bond franchise has spanned over 60 years, grossing greater than $7 billion US on the international field workplace, making it one of the crucial profitable ever.
All alongside, main artistic selections, together with who will get to be Bond, have stayed within the household by large adjustments within the enterprise, together with new company overlords.
“With my 007 profession spanning practically 60 unbelievable years, I’m stepping again from producing the James Bond movies to give attention to artwork and charitable initiatives. Due to this fact, Barbara and I agree it’s time for our trusted associate, Amazon MGM Studios, to steer James Bond into the longer term,” Wilson stated.
Wilson and Broccoli are half-siblings who’ve been guardians of the franchise since 1995.
