James Bond is now entirely under Amazon’s control after spending over 60 years under the Broccoli family and Eon Productions. Based on Ian Fleming’s novels, the first 007 film debuted in 1962, with Sean Connery bringing the British spy to life. Over the years, multiple actors have taken on the role, with Daniel Craig concluding his run in No Time To Die (2021). While James Bond 26 was confirmed soon after, the franchise’s future remained uncertain for years.
Following Amazon’s acquisition of Bond distributor MGM in 2022, longtime producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson retained creative control. However, last month, it was revealed that they have now stepped back, handing full control to Amazon. The details of this shift—such as the financial terms and the nature of their agreement—remain undisclosed.
A new report suggests that a recent clash between the Broccoli family and Amazon was the final breaking point for the Bond franchise’s creative control. Before Amazon took over, The Wall Street Journal published a revealing report in December 2024, highlighting tensions between the two parties regarding Bond’s future. According to the report, Amazon referred to the franchise as “content,” which reportedly frustrated Barbara Broccoli. She allegedly reacted by privately saying about the company’s executives, “these people are f**king idiots.”
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According to a recent report from The Hollywood Reporter, Jeff Bezos took notice of The Wall Street Journal story and Broccoli’s alleged remarks—and he wasn’t happy. The report claims that Amazon ultimately paid the Broccoli family nearly $1 billion to gain creative control of the Bond franchise, in addition to the $8.5 billion spent on acquiring MGM. As one insider put it:
[Bezos] read her quote in the Journal and got on the phone and said, ‘I don’t care what it costs, get rid of her.’
The report suggests that 64-year-old Barbara Broccoli was more open to stepping away from the Bond franchise, partly because 83-year-old Michael G. Wilson had chosen to retire. After three decades of working alongside Wilson on Bond films, Broccoli reportedly didn’t have the energy to manage the franchise alone, especially given the ongoing studio conflicts. With no clear successor to take over for either Wilson or herself, she seemingly opted to accept Amazon’s substantial offer.
The THR report not only claims that Bezos was upset over Broccoli’s alleged “f**king idiots” remark but also reveals that Amazon executives attempted to develop a Bond TV series after acquiring MGM in 2022. Pitches included shows centered on Moneypenny, CIA agent Felix Leiter, and a female 007. However, Broccoli and Wilson reportedly rejected these ideas. Now that they are no longer in control, these Bond spinoffs and TV projects may finally move forward.
Amazon’s acquisition of creative control is still pending regulatory approval, which is expected later this year. Once cleared, the company will likely move quickly, potentially announcing a new Bond actor and director for the next film. Christopher Nolan has been rumored as a possible choice, as he would likely be granted full creative freedom. While many details about Bond’s future remain uncertain, Amazon’s massive investment suggests that 007 will expand beyond just a movie every few years.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter