Amazon Buys James Bond Franchise

THE NEWS

Amazon MGM Studios has taken creative control of the James Bond franchise through a landmark joint venture with longtime producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, ending their family’s six-decade stewardship of the iconic spy series.

The deal grants Amazon authority over future films, casting, and potential spin-offs, while Wilson and Broccoli remain co-owners of the intellectual property. The move follows Amazon’s $8.5 billion acquisition of MGM in 2022, which initially secured distribution rights but left creative decisions with the Broccoli family.

TIMELINE

1953: Creation of the character

• James Bond, the iconic British secret agent known as 007, was created by author Ian Fleming in 1953. Fleming, a former naval intelligence officer, drew inspiration from his experiences during World War II and various individuals he encountered to develop the character.

• The name "James Bond" was borrowed from an American ornithologist who wrote a book on Caribbean birds, which Fleming owned. Fleming chose this name for its simplicity and masculine quality.

• Bond first appeared in Fleming's novel "Casino Royale" in 1953. Fleming went on to write 12 novels and additional short stories featuring the character over the next decade.

1962: Bond film franchise Begins

• 1962: Dr. No debuts, introducing Sean Connery as James Bond. Establishes key elements: the gun barrel sequence, Bond girls, and Q’s gadgets.

• 1964: Goldfinger defines the formula with Aston Martin DB5, iconic villains, and global stakes. Grosses $125M worldwide.

• 1965: Thunderball becomes the highest-grossing Bond film until 1995. Legal disputes with Kevin McClory over rights begin.

1970s: Shifting Tones and New Faces

• 1969: On Her Majesty’s Secret Service stars George Lazenby. First Bond film with a tragic ending (Bond’s wife killed).

• 1973: Roger Moore debuts in Live and Let Die, shifting to a campier, action-heavy style.

• 1977: The Spy Who Loved Me introduces Jaws and the Lotus Esprit submarine car.

1980s: Transition and Legal Battles

• 1981: For Your Eyes Only returns to a grittier tone after Moonraker’s space escapades.

• 1983: Never Say Never Again (non-Eon) releases due to McClory’s rights, competing with Eon’s Octopussy.

• 1987: Timothy Dalton’s debut in The Living Daylights brings a darker, more serious Bond.

1990s: Revival and Modernization

• 1995: GoldenEye revives the franchise after a 6-year hiatus. Pierce Brosnan debuts, introducing Judi Dench as M (first female M).

• 1997: Tomorrow Never Dies critiques media manipulation, reflecting post-Cold War geopolitics.

2000s: The Daniel Craig Reboot

• 2006: Casino Royale reboots Bond with Daniel Craig, focusing on origin and emotional depth. First Bond film to earn over $600M.

• 2012: Skyfall becomes highest-grossing Bond film ($1.1B) and reintroduces classic elements (Q, Moneypenny).

• 2021: No Time to Die concludes Craig’s arc, killing Bond for the first time. Grosses $774M despite pandemic delays.

March 2022: Amazon Acquires MGM

• Amazon buys MGM for $8.5B, gaining Bond distribution rights but not creative control. Barbara Broccoli retains veto power.

December 2024: Creative Clash Leaks

• WSJ reports Amazon pushing for spin-offs and star-driven casting, clashing with Broccoli’s vision.

February 20, 2025: Amazon Takes Control

• Amazon secures creative rights via joint venture. Broccoli and Wilson step back after 60+ years.

REACTIONS

Michael G. Wilson: “With my 007 career spanning nearly 60 years, it’s time for Amazon to lead Bond into the future.”

Barbara Broccoli: “I’ve dedicated my life to Bond, but with Michael retiring, I’ll focus on new projects.”

Mike Hopkins (Amazon MGM): “We’re honored to continue Bond’s legacy and usher in its next phase.”

Jeff Bezos: "Who’d you pick as the next Bond?"

WHAT’S NEXT

New Bond Casting: Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Idris Elba are top contenders.

Spin-Offs & Streaming: Amazon plans TV series (e.g., 007: Road to a Million reality show) and Prime Video exclusives.