Jeff Bezos asks 'who'd you pick as the next Bond' after Amazon takes control of franchise
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Amazon Takes Creative Control of James Bond Franchise
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Above: The Aston Martin DB12 Goldfinger Edition is pictured during the 007 takeover of Burlington Arcade on Oct. 29, 2024 in London, England. Image copyright: Jed Cullen/Dave Benett Library via Getty Images
The Facts
Amazon MGM Studios has acquired creative control of the James Bond franchise through a new joint venture with long-time producers Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, marking a historic shift for the literary and cinematic icon.
The deal, announced Thursday, maintains Wilson and Broccoli as co-owners of the franchise's intellectual property rights, but transfers all creative decision-making power to Amazon MGM Studios for future productions.
The transition follows Amazon's 2022 acquisition of MGM for $8.25B, which initially only granted distribution rights to the Bond films but not creative control over the future of the British spy franchise first adapted to film in 1962.
The Spin
Narrative A
The transition of James Bond to Amazon MGM Studios represents a vital evolution for the beloved franchise. With fresh creative perspectives and Amazon's global reach, Bond can expand beyond traditional theatrical constraints while honoring its heritage. The move positions 007 for continued relevance in modern entertainment.
Narrative B
The transfer of James Bond to Amazon threatens a carefully preserved cultural icon. Under the Broccoli family's stewardship, each Bond film was a meticulously crafted event. Now, with corporate priorities likely to favor quantity over quality, there's a real risk of the franchise being diluted through endless spin-offs and streaming content.
