Amazon’s MGM Studios acquires creative ownership of the James Bond franchise

Amazon’s MGM Studios will take creative control of the James Bond series in a new joint venture with longtime rights holders Michael Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, the tech giant announced Thursday.

Amazon acquired MGM Studios in 2022 as part of its media drive, granting the corporation distribution rights to the long-running action brand but not creative control.

All parties involved will remain co-owners of the franchise.

“With my career as 007 spanning nearly 60 incredible years, I am stepping away from producing James Bond films to focus on art and charity projects,” said Wilson.

The move will allow Amazon to be more hands-on with upcoming films and acquire a foothold in the media industry, while streaming rival Netflix continues to dominate the online video streaming field.

The film series is looking for a new James Bond after Daniel Craig leaves the role in 2021. The casting has generated conjecture, and it includes prominent stars like Idris Elba and Henry Cavill, but no official announcement has been made.