Control over the James Bond Movie franchise has moved from the Broccoli family to Amazon MGM Studios after the long-serving Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson announced they will be stepping down.
The franchise started back in 1962
The Broccoli family have been the masterminds behind the James Bond movies for 63 years, with the franchise having first been launched by Albert “Cubby” Broccoli in 1962. His daughter and stepson later took over the business.
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The two now plan to give creative control over to Amazon MGM Studios following Amazon’s purchase of the franchise’s parent studio in 2022.
Amazon decides who the next Bond will be
After speculation arose among fans following Daniel Craig’s final appearance in No Time to Die, which came out four years ago, Amazon will now be picking the new Bond.
However, there is no timescale for when the process for choosing the new actor will be or when the next movie will come out.
Broccoli and Wilson will remain co-owners
According to the BBC, Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson shared a statement which said that they will “remain co-owners of the franchise” but Amazon MGM Studios “will gain creative control” over the movies.
Wilson spoke about stepping back
Wilson said, “With my 007 career spanning nearly 60 incredible years, I am stepping back from producing the James Bond films to focus on art and charitable projects.”
“Therefore, Barbara and I agree, it is time for our trusted partner, Amazon MGM Studios, to lead James Bond into the future,” the 84-year-old added.
Broccoli also expressed her dedication
“My life has been dedicated to maintaining and building upon the extraordinary legacy that was handed to Michael and me by our father, producer Cubby Broccoli,” 64-year-old Barbara Broccoli added.
“I have had the honour of working closely with four of the tremendously talented actors who have played 007 and thousands of wonderful artists within the industry.”
“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,” she said.
The franchise has been 63 years in the making
Cubby Broccoli first launched James Bond in 1962 with co-producer Harry Saltzman. The two were later joined by Wilson, who was the producing head for the 1985 Bond movie A View to a Kill.
Broccoli’s daughter Barbara later took over the franchise to join Wilson as a producer for GoldenEye, which came out in 1995. Since then, Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson have overseen every Bond movie until this new deal with Amazon MGM Studios.
Daniel Craig previously praised the pair
The two kept a close eye on the iconic character, as it was clearly something close to their hearts. This was acknowledged by Daniel Craig when he presented them with honorary Oscars in November of last year.
He said, “Over the years many people and organisations have tried to put their own footprint on Bond.”
“Barbara, Michael, I can’t tell you how much I admire your integrity in holding on to your singular vision as you brought Bond into the 21st Century with a passionate and a protective determination to honor the heart of this franchise.”
