007 leaves MGM Studios
A former James Bond actor has shared his surprise about Amazon taking charge of the “James Bond” franchise. In a recent chat, Timothy Dalton, who played 007 in “The Living Daylights” and “License to Kill,” gave his take on the news that Amazon MGM Studios is now in control. This change comes after producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson decided to step back a bit from the franchise.
Dalton, who’s 78, couldn’t hide his shock when he talked to the Radio Times. He had a lot of respect for Barbara, calling her a fantastic producer just like her dad, Cubby Broccoli. He said, “Cubby was someone I really admired, and he had a strong vision for everything. It’s a real shame he’s no longer around; that’s all I can say. He kept a tight grip on the show, which doesn’t seem to be the case anymore.”
Cubby Broccoli, who created and produced the films, passed the baton to his daughter Barbara and his stepson Wilson back in 1955. The two of them kept the creative control through Eon Productions, even though MGM Studios owned the franchise that Amazon later picked up in 2022 for around $1 billion.
007 has now License from Amazon
Dalton said he was really taken aback by this deal. Recently, Wilson and Barbara announced they would be stepping back from their roles, with Wilson wanting to focus on art and charities, while Barbara is looking to work on other projects. They’ll still be co-owners of the Bond franchise.
Dalton expressed hope that Amazon would understand the magic of the original films. He said, “The film industry has changed a lot over the years, but there’s something unique about the old days. I hope Amazon sees that and creates a movie that gives people the same thrill as before.” He also mentioned, “I wish them the best of luck. I really hope they do well. They’re going to work hard to make a lot of money, so I hope they end up producing some great films.”
The news has stirred up quite a bit of criticism. Johnny Oleksinski predicted that Amazon might churn out “forgettable Bond shows and spin-offs,” calling the deal a “blow to an iconic brand.”
Former Bond actor Daniel Craig had his say, too. In a statement to Variety, he said, “My respect and admiration for Barbara and Michael are solid. I genuinely hope Michael gets the restful retirement he deserves, and I know Barbara’s future projects will be fantastic. I can’t wait to be a part of them.”