NEW YORK — In a James Bond shake-up that stirred the film industry, <a href="/topics/amazon/">Amazon</a> MGM announced Thursday that the studio has taken the creative reins of the 007 franchise after decades of family control. Longtime Bond custodians Michael G. Wilson and <a href="/topics/barbara-broccoli/">Barbara Broccoli</a> said they would be stepping back.

<a href="/topics/amazon/">Amazon</a> MGM Studios, Wilson and <a href="/topics/barbara-broccoli/">Broccoli</a> formed a new joint venture in which they will co-own James Bond intellectual property rights - but <a href="/topics/amazon/">Amazon</a> MGM will have creative control.

Financial terms weren’t disclosed. The deal is expected to close sometime this year.

“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,” Wilson said in a statement. “Therefore, <a href="/topics/barbara-broccoli/">Barbara</a> and I agree, it is time for our trusted partner, <a href="/topics/amazon/">Amazon</a> MGM Studios, to lead James Bond into the future.”

In a James Bond shakeup that stirred the film industry, Amazon MGM announced Thursday that the studio has taken the creative reins of the 007 franchise after decades of family control. Longtime Bond custodians Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli said they would be stepping back.{ai:summary}<p>Amazon MGM has taken creative control of the James Bond franchise, ending decades of family oversight by Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, who will step back but retain co-ownership of the intellectual property. The deal is expected to close this year.</p><p>Wilson cited a desire to focus on art and charitable projects as a reason for stepping back after nearly 60 years in the role. #culture</p>

Amazon MGM takes creative reins of James Bond, ending an era of family control of 007

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