The world’s most famous spy has a new boss—Amazon MGM Studios has taken creative control of the James Bond franchise, ending a legacy of family-run oversight. In a major industry move, Amazon MGM Studios is taking creative control of the world’s most famous spy, marking a seismic shift for the franchise long overseen by producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson.

A New Era for Bond

Amazon MGM Studios, Broccoli, and Wilson have formed a joint venture to house the James Bond intellectual property rights, with Amazon MGM Studios now taking creative control of the franchise. While Broccoli and Wilson remain co-owners, the day-to-day creative direction of 007 will now be overseen by Amazon.

“With my 007 career spanning nearly 60 incredible years, I am stepping back from producing the James Bond films to focus on art and charitable projects. Therefore, Barbara and I agree, it is time for our trusted partner, Amazon MGM Studios, to lead James Bond into the future,” said Wilson.

Broccoli reflected on the significance of this transition, stating, “My life has been dedicated to maintaining and building upon the extraordinary legacy that was handed to Michael and me by our father, producer Cubby Broccoli. I have had the honour of working closely with four of the tremendously talented actors who have played 007 and thousands of wonderful artists within the industry. With the conclusion of No Time to Die and Michael retiring from the films, I feel it is time to focus on my other projects.”

This shift follows Amazon’s $8.5 billion acquisition of MGM in 2022, a deal that secured a catalogue of more than 4,000 films and 17,000 TV shows. While Amazon previously held distribution rights for the James Bond films, this latest move gives the studio full creative authority over the future of the franchise.

Daniel Craig Responds

Daniel Craig, the most recent actor to portray James Bond, has shared his admiration for longtime franchise stewards Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli following the news of their decision to pass creative control to Amazon MGM Studios.

“My respect, admiration and love for Barbara and Michael remain constant and undiminished,” Craig said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter. “I wish Michael a long, relaxing (and well-deserved) retirement and whatever ventures Barbara goes on to do, I know they will be spectacular and I hope I can be part of them.”

Craig headlined five James Bond films, beginning with Casino Royale (2006) and concluding with No Time to Die (2021), a critically and commercially successful era that helped redefine the modern Bond.

Tensions, Delays, and Amazon’s Growing Frustrations

The shift in control didn’t come out of nowhere. For years, reports have hinted at tensions between Amazon and the Bond producers. According a Wall Street Journal report in December 2024, Broccoli had reportedly described Amazon executives as “f****** idiots” to colleagues, frustrated with their push for expanded storytelling in a Star Wars or Marvel-style cinematic universe. Broccoli, a staunch traditionalist, has long resisted spinoffs or rapid-fire sequels, believing that Bond should be a carefully crafted, standalone spectacle rather than a content machine.

Variety reports that Amazon, on the other hand, has been growing increasingly impatient. The 007 franchise has been in limbo since No Time to Die (2021), with no director, no script, and—most crucially—no new Bond. Despite countless rumours surrounding potential replacements for Daniel Craig, nothing concrete has materialised.

That lack of momentum may have been a dealbreaker. As Variety notes, Amazon spent billions to acquire MGM, yet until now, they’ve been largely sidelined when it comes to Bond’s future. With the Broccolis unwilling—or unable—to fast-track the next phase of 007, Amazon has now taken matters into its own hands.

Who Will Steer the Ship?

One of the biggest questions now is who will oversee Bond’s future under Amazon MGM Studios. Industry insiders point to Courtenay Valenti, Amazon’s head of film, as a possible key player. Valenti, formerly of Warner Bros., has a background managing major franchises like Harry Potter, but Bond’s unique history and prestige mean the role requires a producer with a deep understanding of the brand.

Then there’s Scott Stuber, who previously spearheaded Netflix’s film division and now runs United Artists, the label historically tied to Bond. His experience in studio strategy could make him a strong candidate to help guide the franchise’s next iteration.

But Bond isn’t like other franchises. It’s an institution, a legacy passed down through generations. Deadline quotes sources within the Bond “family” expressing concern over the transition, with one insider likening the news to “a death in the family.” For decades, the Broccolis curated not just Bond films but the entire culture surrounding them—casting, marketing, even the timing of releases.

Will Amazon Shake (or Stir) Up the Bond Formula?

The biggest unknown is what Amazon MGM Studios will actually do with Bond now that it has full creative control.

A more frequent release schedule? Spinoff shows? A Moneypenny prequel? A Q origin story? A reality show? (Oh wait, they already did that.) According to Variety, Amazon execs see potential for a broader Bond universe, much like Marvel and Star Wars, and have already been brainstorming ways to expand the franchise beyond the core films.

But would Bond fans accept that?

The Broccolis’ approach may have been slow, but it maintained a level of prestige. Films like Skyfall and Casino Royale weren’t just blockbusters; they were prestige action films that balanced high-octane spectacle with serious storytelling. The wrong move—too much commercialisation, too many unnecessary spinoffs—could damage the franchise’s carefully maintained image.

The Search for a New Bond—And a New Direction

Even with Amazon at the helm, one crucial question continues to remain unanswered: who will play Bond next?

It’s no secret that the search for Daniel Craig’s successor has been a drawn-out process. While names like Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Henry Cavill have been tossed around, no serious frontrunner has emerged. One of Deadline‘s source suggested that had Broccoli found “a blindingly obvious new guy,” she might have continued leading the franchise. But that didn’t happen.

The source added: “I think it is such a pivot point after a very specific kind of direction for the Bond movies, and then what do you do next? […] I think that’s a huge new journey to start on, which is going to have to happen with the new management. But when you produce a Spectre, a Skyfall or a No Time to Die, these things just don’t happen. They were the gold standard, and what’s the price of gold now?”

Without a clear creative direction, Amazon faces a tough challenge. Bond’s identity has been meticulously shaped over decades, and a rushed or poorly executed relaunch could alienate long-time fans.

Bond’s Future—A Risky but Inevitable Change

James Bond is one of the most successful and enduring franchises in film history, having grossed over $US7.8 billion across 25 official films. With Amazon MGM Studios now in charge, the road ahead is uncertain.

For better or worse, 007’s next chapter will be dictated by a corporate giant rather than a “family-run” operation. Some may see this as the natural evolution of a modern franchise, while others may fear it could lead to a more formulaic, commercially driven Bond—one that prioritises quantity over quality.

With Amazon MGM Studios taking control, the question isn’t just who the next Bond will be—it’s what kind of Bond we’ll get.