Amazon purchased MGM in 2022, including the rights to distribute James Bond films, and will now possess the intellectual property rights, reports RTE.
Wilson will abandon film employment to “focus on art and charitable projects,” while his half-sister Broccoli will pursue “other projects,” according to the couple.
Broccoli served as an executive producer on the newly released documentary Blue Road: The Edna O’Brien Story, directed by Irish director Sinéad O’Shea, reports RTE.
According to a statement, the Broccoli family and Amazon MGM Studios “have formed a new joint venture to house the James Bond intellectual property rights, and those parties will remain co-owners of the franchise”.
“Under the terms of the new venture, Amazon MGM Studios will gain creative control of the James Bond franchise following closing of the transaction. 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,” the statement added, reports RTE.
Broccoli said: “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,” reports RTE.
Mike Hopkins, Head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, stated, “Since his theatrical debut over 60 years ago, James Bond has been one of the most famous figures in recorded 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,” reports RTE.
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