James Bond fans have been left let down and outraged that Amazon MGM Studios has gained creative control of the franchise in a historic shake-up announced today.
Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson announced today that they had stepped back from their roles as long-term producers, marking the end of the 63-year reign the Broccoli family have had.
Under the new joint venture announced today, Wilson and Broccoli will remain co-owners of the James Bond intellectual property rights.
The new venture grants Amazon MGM Studios creative control over future productions of the franchise, whilst maintaining the joint ownership structure with the franchise's long-term stewards.
Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, praised Bond's enduring impact on entertainment, highlighting the character's iconic status over six decades.
"Since his theatrical introduction over 60 years ago, James Bond has been one of the most iconic characters in filmed entertainment.”
Wilson, who has been involved with 007 for nearly 60 years, added: “With my 007 career spanning nearly sixty incredible years, I am stepping back from producing the James Bond films to focus on art and charitable projects.”
Eon Productions posted a lengthy statement on their Instagram account to announce the news and penned at the end of the caption: “Barbara and I agree, it is time for our trusted partner, Amazon MGM Studios, to lead James Bond into the future."
Broccoli reflected: "My life has been dedicated to maintaining and building upon the extraordinary legacy that was handed to Michael and me by our father.”
While the executives expressed optimism for Bond's future, fans have reacted with deep concern to the announcement on social media.
Amazon MGM have now taken over creative control of the Bond franchise
PA
Commenting underneath the Instagram post, one infuriated user penned: “James Bond will be Disney-fied like Star Wars, MCU and Indiana Jones.
“Lower quality streaming products, endless spinoffs, sequels, reboots… the whole lot. End of an era. Now we realised Daniel Craig was prescient: James Bond is dead.”
Another fearful user added: “A bit nervous about what Amazon will do going forward, but I am excited to get parties involved that will want to make more films - and potentially other media.
“There have been 2 films (with incredibly questionable decisions in both), 0 video games, and 1 TV reality series (kind of) in the last full decade.”
A third user agreed: “This will lead to terrible films. Sad day for Bond.”
Over on X, the consensus was the same, as one user wrote: “Bond is dead as we know, Amazon will 'WOKE' this to death.”
The move marks the first time a Broccoli will not have creative control in 63 years
GETTY
“Well it's going to be woke bond now... Terrible,” someone else said before another expressed: “This will kill James Bond as we know it, Amazon are woke and corrupt everything.”
Another simply stated: “This is the absolute.” (sic)
The bombshell comes as speculation remains rife as to who will take over the role of Bond following Daniel Craig's departure after No Time to Die.
Several names have been touted for the role, with the likes of Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Stuart Martin, James Norton, Harris Dickinson, Paul Mescal, Theo James and Henry Cavill dominating the conversation.