Latest news with #MichaelG.Wilson
Yahoo
01-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
There's Another James Bond Rumor About Why Barbara Broccoli Left The Franchise, And This Time Jeff Bezos Is Involved
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. I'm surprised how much 007 news the 2025 movie schedule has yielded. One moment we were all sitting there wondering what's next for James Bond 26, and then a new development crossed the cultural gun barrel. With Amazon-MGM's 007 deal giving the studio full creative control, the world has been left to wonder just why Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson would give up their control over the franchise? THR has spoken to a 'source familiar' with this earthshaking development, and it appears that Jeff Bezos may have been the overall catalyst. In a rundown that theorizes what actually happened, this unnamed party alleges that the founder of Amazon pulled the trigger due to this concern: He read her quote in the Journal and got on the phone and said, 'I don't care what it costs, get rid of her. That 'quote in the Journal' is from that report on Barbara Broccoli's alleged frustrations with Amazon. It's an unsurprising development, as that supposed bombshell wasn't exactly flattering to the commerce giant's image. When coupled with other rumors of various spinoffs plans, and even alleged tone concerns over Bond 26, longtime fans of how the 007 machine has been run so far have been iffy over what to make of these latest developments. For a moment, EON Productions' control over the franchise co-founded by Albert 'Cubby' Broccoli seemed like it would remain resolute. Shortly before the announcement, Martin Campbell, the director of Casino Royale, shared his thoughts on how 'Barbara will absolutely stick to her guns.' Which makes this next quote from an alleged insider to Deadline kind of heartbreaking: She's a fighter, but she got tired of fighting. With all of these anonymous whispers filling the air, it appears one of my greatest fears may have came true. As Amazon-MGM and EON Productions were in a stalemate, someone had to make the move to end it. With co-producer/half-brother Michael G. Wilson ready to retire, the choices were forge ahead alone or make a deal. And whoo-boy, that deal lived up to Jeff Bezos' supposed demands. How do you think Amazon-MGM Studios paid for creative control over Bond, James Bond? The answer, per that previously cited Deadline article, is $1 billion, and we don't even know how that's being paid out. This is on top of Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson remaining co-owners of the 007 cinematic franchise, which ensures financial security after walking away from creative control. That price tag on its own might not seem too steep, especially in light of Disney's acquisitions of Lucasfilm, Marvel and 20th Century Fox. However, this quick and dirty primer on the formation of Amazon-MGM Studios, again from Deadline, paints a very different picture: Though valued between $3.5 billion-$4 billion, the legendary motion picture studio was absorbed by the streamer for $8.5 billion, the hefty sum propped up by the potential access of the 007 franchise. Going into the Amazon-MGM acquisition era, I didn't think that EON's control over James Bond would be challenged in such a way that it would eventually relinquish that power. But times have changed, and I guess sometimes you need to pick your battles carefully. For now, I'll maintain an open mind, as we don't know if these insider rumors are actually true. Should they be proven to be accurate, Amazon's update on the Bond franchise might feel a bit more ominous in the long run. With Bond 26's fate becoming even more evasive, we're caught between a potentially rushed spinoff to whet the crowd's appetite, or a prolonged wait to 'get it right.' We'll have to just wait see how the new players on the board move in this regard, martinis at the ready and tuxedos firmly pressed. Because at the moment, the question of concern isn't if James Bond will return, but rather how that resurrection will happen.
NBC News
21-02-2025
- Entertainment
- NBC News
New deal gives Amazon and MGM Studios creative control of the James Bond franchise
A new deal will see Amazon and MGM Studios take creative control over the James Bond series. Long-time producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson will step back, ending a family legacy that dates back to the first Bond film starring Sean Connery over sixty years ago. Variety executive editor Brent Lang spoke with NBC News' Joe Fryer and Savannah Sellers about what this means for 007's 21, 2025
See - Sada Elbalad
21-02-2025
- Entertainment
- See - Sada Elbalad
Amazon MGM Gains Creative Control of James Bond Franchise
Yara Sameh Amazon MGM Studios is set to take creative control of the James Bond franchise. The shock announcement — which is sure to shake and, indeed, stir the industry — was made Thursday, alongside the news that long-time producers and custodians of 007, Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, would be stepping back. As per details of the historic agreement, Amazon MGM Studios, Wilson and Broccoli have formed a new joint venture to house the James Bond intellectual property rights. The three parties will remain co-owners of the iconic franchise but Amazon MGM will have creative control. 'Since his theatrical introduction over 60 years ago, James Bond has been one of the most iconic characters in filmed entertainment,' said Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios. 'We are grateful to the late Albert R. Broccoli and Harry Saltzman for bringing James Bond to movie theatres around the world, and to Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli for their unyielding dedication and their role in continuing the legacy of the franchise that is cherished by legions of fans worldwide. We are honoured to continue this treasured heritage, and look forward to ushering in the next phase of the legendary 007 for audiences around the world.' Added Wilson: '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.' Broccoli commented, '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 honor 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.' In 2022, Amazon bought MGM for $8.5 billion, acquiring a vast catalog with more than 4,000 films and 17,000 TV shows alongside the rights to distribute all of the James Bond films. 'No Time to Die' — the 25th James Bond film and Daniel Craig's fifth and final turn as 007 — was released in 2021 and earned $775 million. Since then, despite endless speculation in the press, there have been no announcements regarding the timeline for production of the next film or Craig's replacement.
Yahoo
20-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
James Bond Shocker: Amazon MGM Gains Creative Control of 007 Franchise as Producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson Step Back
Amazon MGM Studios is set to take creative control of the James Bond franchise. The shock announcement — which is sure to shake and, indeed, stir the industry — was made Thursday, alongside the news that long-time producers and custodians of 007, Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, would be stepping back. As per details of the arrangement, Amazon MGM Studios, Wilson and Broccoli have formed a new joint venture to house the James Bond intellectual property rights. The three parties will remain co-owners of the iconic franchise but Amazon MGM will have creative control. 'Since his theatrical introduction over 60 years ago, James Bond has been one of the most iconic characters in filmed entertainment,' said Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios. 'We are grateful to the late Albert R. Broccoli and Harry Saltzman for bringing James Bond to movie theatres around the world, and to Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli for their unyielding dedication and their role in continuing the legacy of the franchise that is cherished by legions of fans worldwide. We are honoured to continue this treasured heritage, and look forward to ushering in the next phase of the legendary 007 for audiences around the world.' Added Wilson: '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.' Broccoli commented, '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 honor 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.' In 2022, Amazon acquired MGM, including a vast catalog with more than 4,000 films and 17,000 TV shows. Since the MGM acquisition, Amazon has held rights to distribute all of the James Bond films, and as a result of this transaction will have creative control over future productions. 'No Time to Die' — the 25th James Bond film and Daniel Craig's final turn as 007 — was released in 2021 and earned $775 million. Since then, despite endless speculation in the press, there have been no announcements regarding the timeline for production of the next film or Craig's replacement.
Yahoo
20-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
James Bond Shocker: Amazon MGM Gains Creative Control of 007 Franchise as Producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson Step Back
Amazon MGM Studios is set to take creative control of the James Bond franchise. The shock announcement — which is sure to shake and, indeed, stir the industry — was made Thursday, alongside the news that long-time producers and custodians of 007, Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, would be stepping back. More from Variety Amazon MGM Studios Teams Up With Entertainment Industry College Outreach Program to Create Opportunities for HBCU Graduates Backing Dwayne Johnson's $250 Million Christmas Movie 'Red One' Made Sense During the Streaming Wars. Now, Not So Much Anne Hathaway to Star in Colleen Hoover's 'Verity' Movie Adaptation As per details of the arrangement, Amazon MGM Studios, Wilson and Broccoli have formed a new joint venture to house the James Bond intellectual property rights. The three parties will remain co-owners of the iconic franchise but Amazon MGM will have creative control. 'Since his theatrical introduction over 60 years ago, James Bond has been one of the most iconic characters in filmed entertainment,' said Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios. 'We are grateful to the late Albert R. Broccoli and Harry Saltzman for bringing James Bond to movie theatres around the world, and to Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli for their unyielding dedication and their role in continuing the legacy of the franchise that is cherished by legions of fans worldwide. We are honoured to continue this treasured heritage, and look forward to ushering in the next phase of the legendary 007 for audiences around the world.' Added Wilson: '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.' Broccoli commented, '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 honor 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.' In 2022, Amazon acquired MGM, including a vast catalog with more than 4,000 films and 17,000 TV shows. Since the MGM acquisition, Amazon has held rights to distribute all of the James Bond films, and as a result of this transaction will have creative control over future productions. 'No Time to Die' — the 25th James Bond film and Daniel Craig's final turn as 007 — was released in 2021 and earned $775 million. Since then, despite endless speculation in the press, there have been no announcements regarding the timeline for production of the next film or Craig's replacement. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Grammy Predictions, From Beyoncé to Kendrick Lamar: Who Will Win? Who Should Win? What's Coming to Netflix in February 2025
