The iconic James Bond film franchise is undergoing a major change as long-time producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson have announced their departure. The duo, who took over from Albert “Cubby” Broccoli in 1962, will now hand over creative control to Amazon MGM Studios.
This transition comes after much speculation about the future of the Bond series, especially since the last film, “No Time to Die,” marked Daniel Craig’s final appearance as the British spy.
With Amazon now at the helm, the decision on the next Bond actor is in their hands, with popular choices including James Norton, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Theo James.
In a statement, Wilson expressed his gratitude for his nearly 60-year career with the franchise and mentioned his desire to focus on other projects. Broccoli also reflected on her dedication to maintaining the legacy passed down by her father and expressed her readiness to move on to new ventures.
The shift in control also opens up the possibility of new directions for the Bond franchise, with potential spin-offs and expansions similar to what has been done with the Star Wars universe.
Amazon’s head of Prime Video, Mike Hopkins, expressed eagerness to continue the Bond legacy and usher in a new phase for the iconic character.
The recent deal also sheds light on the delay in announcing the 26th official Bond film and its star. With the potential for a longer gap between releases, fans may have to wait a bit longer for the next installment. However, the future of the franchise looks promising under Amazon’s guidance.