Licensed to do what they want with Bond

Long-time producers give Amazon control of 007 films

- Christopher Bucktin

CONTROL of the James Bond film franchise has been handed over to Amazon, having been overseen by the Broccoli family for six decades.

Producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson have shared their decision to step down, four years after the most recent 007 instalment No Time To Die was released.

Amazon MGM Studios, which took over Bond's parent studio when Amazon snapped up MGM in 2022, will gain full creative control.

Albert “Cubby” Broccoli launched the franchise, alongside co-producer Harry Saltzman, with the movie Dr No in 1962.

His daughter Barbara and her half-brother Wilson, who will remain co-owners, have determined its direction since he died, leading on all films since 1995's GoldenEye.

There is much speculation on its future as No Time to Die in 2021 was Daniel Craig's final Bond film.

Wilson, 83, first joined the franchise - based on Ian Fleming's novels - in 1985, on A View to a Kill.

He said: “I am stepping back from producing the Bond films to focus on art and charitable projects.

“It is time for our trusted partner, Amazon MGM Studios, to lead James Bond into the future.”