Amazon’s Billion Dollar Deal: Full Control of James Bond Franchise

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I was taken aback yesterday to learn about the unexpected shift, as Amazon MGM Studios is now set to take charge of the James Bond franchise, a role previously held by Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson for quite some time. Now, it’s come to light just how much cash the studio might have shelled out for this control.

By the Set Date, the streamer was required to fork over $1 billion to gain complete ownership of James Bond, following extended attempts to produce the subsequent film without lead actor Daniel Craig. Amazon aimed to expand the franchise into a likeness of Marvel, DC, and Star Wars, but Broccoli and Wilson resisted this approach, preferring to retain significant creative control that the family has managed for many years. This decision effectively blocked the possibility of a director like Christopher Nolan or Quentin Tarantino from taking the helm.

In March 2022, Amazon shelled out approximately $8.5 billion to purchase MGM, thereby gaining control over iconic franchises like James Bond, Rocky, and more intellectual properties. According to Deadline, the estimated worth of the studio was around $4 billion, but Amazon recognized the potential in expanding their business with a James Bond franchise.

Could There Soon Be an Expanded, Marvel-Style ‘James Bond’ Cinematic Universe?

Is it likely that Amazon MGM Studios will indeed delve into an expanded Bond universe, offering spinoff films and series? Quite possibly. After the success of Die Another Day in 2002, which marked Pierce Brosnan’s last Bond film, they nearly produced a spinoff featuring Halle Berry’s character Jinx. Neal Purvis and Robert Wade, long-time Bond writers, were set to pen the script, and Stephen Frears was almost on board as director, until Broccoli and Wilson halted the project due to creative disagreements.

To ensure the success of a cinematic universe reminiscent of James Bond, Amazon MGM Studios would undeniably benefit from a visionary leader akin to Kevin Feige or Kathleen Kennedy – an individual with extensive experience, unparalleled influence, and an innovative mindset capable of steering such a colossal project. Furthermore, discovering a fresh face to embody the iconic James Bond character for the coming years is imperative, as he will become the new embodiment of this legendary figure.

For several decades, fans could expect a fresh James Bond film approximately every 2-3 years, with occasional deviations. The production house, Broccoli, Wilson, and MGM, would always create these movies as significant events and spectacles. In recent times, the James Bond films have been released in the fall season, but the sense of grandeur and excitement has persisted.

It’s quite plausible that Amazon MGM Studios might plan to release a James Bond movie annually, possibly alternating between a main film one year and a spin-off focusing on a well-known associate or even an adversary in another. Additionally, there’s speculation about a Prime Video TV series that could revolve around MI6 members, potentially including M, Q, and other characters. This is all conjecture, but it certainly isn’t impossible.

It might be prudent to advocate for restraint when releasing an overwhelming number of James Bond movies, extensions, TV shows, comics, and animated series. Quality should never be sacrificed for quantity, as the risk of “James Bond burnout” among fans is quite real.

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2025-02-21 16:31