Former 007 icon Daniel Craig has broken his silence on the recent shakeup in the James Bond dynasty, with Amazon swooping in to grasp the reins of the celebrated spy franchise.
In a groundbreaking move announced last Thursday, Jeff Bezos’ Amazon emerged triumphant in snagging creative control over the future of James Bond following the stepping down of the bond’s long-standing custodians as part of a blockbuster deal.
Eon Productions, commandeered by Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, the venerable figures who have helmed the Bond powerhouse for six decades since Albert “Cubby” Broccoli’s passing, declared its new partnership status with Amazon MGM Studios. The official lineage of Bond films has seen steadfast stewardship by the Broccoli lineage, solo or in alliance, dating back to the inaugural 007 thriller, Dr No, in 1962.
Craig has now disclosed his stance on the changing of the guard, expressing to The Hollywood Reporter: “My respect, admiration and love for Barbara and Michael remain constant and undiminished.
“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.”
Amazon founder and overseer Jeff Bezos, whose empire encompasses Amazon MGM Studios, beckoned Bond fans over social media to deliberate on which star should next don the mantle of the iconic spy.
A staggering number of fan suggestions poured in, crowning Henry Cavill, Idris Elba, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and James McAvoy as frontrunners in the race to inherit the title of cinema’s most cherished secret agent.
Speculation has been rife about the future of the iconic James Bond series, especially since no new actor has been announced to take over from Daniel Craig following his final performance in 2021’s No Time to Die. In a significant development in 2022, Amazon acquired MGM, thereby gaining the rights to distribute James Bond films and control over the intellectual property rights.
Wilson has decided to step away from film production to concentrate on art and charitable endeavours, while Broccoli will be pursuing other projects. A statement revealed that the Broccoli family and Amazon MGM Studios have established a new joint venture to manage the James Bond intellectual property rights, with both parties retaining co-ownership of the franchise.
The statement further clarified that Amazon MGM Studios would assume creative control of the James Bond franchise upon completion of the transaction. Wilson expressed: “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 added: “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.”
Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, commented: “Since his theatrical introduction over 60 years ago, James Bond has been one of the most iconic characters in filmed entertainment.
“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.”
Broccoli and her half-brother Wilson have produced the last nine Bond films, including Casino Royale, Quantum Of Solace, Spectre and No Time To Die, and have been honoured with CBEs.