Is Jeff Bezos now the Blofeld (or any other villain) in the James Bond story?

Some might say yes, after he and Amazon MGM studios wrested full creative control over the franchise from Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, heirs to Albert R. Broccoli, owner of Eon Productions, which produces the Bond series. Amazon purchased MGM Studios, along with many titles in its library, giving it part ownership but no creative control of the 007 series.

In the new deal, Wilson and Broccoli will co-own the franchise, and have formed a new joint venture to house the James Bond intellectual property rights, but Amazon MGM will have creative control. Bezos has already started casting the next James Bond – if you call a post on Instagram asking followers who should take over for Daniel Craig as a casting call.

Henry Cavill’s name is among the most mentioned.

Broccoli and Wilson had owned the copyright to all of the Bond films, and had the final say on script, casting and even when a film can go into production. They did not like the direction Amazon MGM wanted to take the franchise, now in search of a new actor to play Bond, and the impasse had stalled pre-production of a new Bond film. The last 007 adventure, No Time to Die, was released in 2021. 

Although insiders told Deadline that losing that control felt like “a death in the family” to the Broccoli heirs, outwardly, Broccoli did not mention the dispute in her press comments.

“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 honor of working closely with four of the tremendously talented actors who have played 007 and thousands of wonderful artists within the industry,” she said.

Craig also issued a statement about the transition. “My respect, admiration and love for Barbara and Michael remain constant and undiminished,” Craig said. “I wish Michael a long, relaxing (and well-deserved) retirement and whatever ventures Barbara goes on to do, I know they will be spectacular and I hope I can be part of them.”