Daniel Craig is toasting with a (martini) glass to James Bond’s longtime producers, Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli. The pair revealed on Thursday their intention to withdraw from the 007 franchise and hand over creative control to Amazon MGM.
“My respect, admiration, and love for Barbara and Michael stay steady and unwavering,” Craig, who portrayed the charming spy in five hit films, stated in a special comment to Variety. “I hope Michael enjoys a lengthy, relaxing (and well-deserved) retirement, and whatever endeavors Barbara pursues, I am confident they will be amazing, and I wish to be included in them.”
In a groundbreaking deal that surprised Hollywood, Amazon MGM, Wilson, and Broccoli have established a partnership to manage the intellectual property rights of James Bond. The three parties will continue to co-own the franchise, but the studio will retain creative authority over upcoming projects. Amazon, which purchased MGM in 2021 for $8.5 billion, secured the rights to distribute all James Bond films but only possessed 50% of the franchise and was limited to being a passive partner regarding creative decisions. Following Craig’s fifth and last portrayal as the licensed-to-kill agent in 2021’s “No Time to Die,” there has been constant media speculation regarding the franchise’s future, yet no announcements on specific next moves.
Wilson, who has co-authored the scripts for various Bond films while also producing them, has declared his retirement from Hollywood. “After a remarkable 60-year journey as 007, I am stepping away from producing the James Bond films to concentrate on artistic and charitable endeavors,” the 87-year-old stated.
Broccoli, 64, intends to remain in the film industry but will shift her focus and efforts toward being a producer. “My life has focused on preserving and expanding the remarkable legacy that our father, producer Cubby Broccoli, passed on to Michael and me.” “I’ve had the privilege of collaborating closely with four exceptionally gifted actors who portrayed 007 and countless amazing artists in the industry,” she stated in a statement. “With the end of ‘No Time to Die’ and Michael stepping away from the films, I believe it’s time to concentrate on my other endeavors.”