Daniel craig breaks silence after bond producers hand over creative control to amazon
Daniel Craig has spoken out following the unexpected announcement that James Bond producers Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli have relinquished full creative control of the franchise to amazon MGM Studios.
On thursday (20 february), amazon revealed that it had entered into a new joint venture with broccoli and Wilson, securing control over the James bond intellectual property rights. While the pair will retain co-ownership of the franchise, the agreement effectively grants amazon MGM Studios full authority over the creative direction of future bond productions.
Wilson and broccoli have long been the custodians of the franchise, having inherited the reins from broccoli’s father, Albert R ‘Cubby’ broccoli, who co-launched the bond films in 1962. Under their stewardship, the Bond series has delivered some of its most acclaimed instalments, including Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace, and Skyfall.
Craig, who played the iconic spy across five films before stepping down after No Time to Die (2021), has now shared his reaction to this significant shift in the franchise’s future.
In a statement to The hollywood reporter, the Knives out actor expressed his unwavering support for wilson and broccoli. He said: “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. I hope i can be part of them.”
Wilson, who has been involved with the franchise for nearly 60 years, explained his decision to step back from producing the Bond films. He stated: “With my 007 career spanning nearly six incredible decades, 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 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, assured fans that the company was “honoured to continue this treasured heritage” and was eager to bring Bond into its next era. “We look forward to the next phase of the legendary 007 for audiences around the world,” he stated.
The announcement comes amid mounting speculation over the fate of then british spy series. Nearly four years have passed since the last Bond film, with no formal plans for a new instalment or the selection of a new actor to take on the role of 007.
While Craig’s departure from the franchise marked the end of an era, this latest development signals a new chapter for James Bond—one that will be shaped by amazon’s vision for the world’s most famous spy.