“James Bond” star Daniel Craig reacted to the news that longtime “Bond” producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson have yielded creative control of the British franchise to Amazon MGM — an announcement some fans fear will change it forever.
“My respect, admiration and love for Barbara and Michael remain constant and undiminished,” said Craig, who embodied Bond in the five latest installments, in a statement Friday to Entertainment Weekly.
“I wish Michael a long, relaxing (and well-deserved) retirement,” the English actor continued, “and whatever ventures Barbara goes on to do, I know they will be spectacular and I hope I can be part of them.”
Ian Fleming’s beloved Bond novels spawned one of the most enduring film franchises of all time. For more than half a century since Sean Connery’s debut as 007 in “Dr. No” (1962), Broccoli and Wilson’s family has protected it from corporate control.
But the longtime custodians of the franchise announced Thursday that Amazon MGM has acquired creative control. Broccoli and Wilson will reportedly remain co-owners of the franchise but are officially stepping back.
Leo Hudson/Associated Press
Broccoli and Wilson initially acquired the “Bond” rights from their late father, producer Albert “Cubby” Broccoli, who died in 1996. Wilson, now 83, told Variety in a statement that he’s stepping back “to focus on art and charitable projects.”
His sister, 64, likewise said: “My life has been dedicated to maintaining and building upon the extraordinary legacy that was handed to Michael and me by our father. With the conclusion of ‘No Time to Die’ and Michael retiring … I feel it is my time to focus on my other projects.”
The siblings’ announcements have left lifelong “Bond” fans worried that Amazon MGM may attempt to lure Prime Video subscribers in with a flurry of TV spinoffs, diluting the legacy of the franchise.
The Wall Street Journal reported last year that Broccoli was feuding with the studio over its creative suggestions and even called them “fucking idiots.” The rift seemingly began after Amazon spent $8.5 billion to acquire MGM, which distributes the films.
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Craig, whom Broccoli and Wilson personally cast as Bond for his 2006 debut in “Casino Royale,” starred in five “Bond” movies, including 2021’s “No Time to Die.” While he was graceful in his statement Friday, devoted fans of the iconic cinematic series weren’t mincing words.
“It’s kinda sad to see the last family-owned movie franchise handed over to the suits, and I’m sure Amazon MGM is salivating, BUT…DON’T cinematic universe James Bond,” wrote filmmaker Joe Russo on X, formerly Twitter. “It’s one of our last, great theatrical events.”
He continued: “Don’t dilute that with a plethora of streaming spin-offs.”