Amazon MGM takes creative reins of James Bond, ending era of family control

In a James Bond shakeup that stirred the film industry, Amazon MGM has announced that the studio has taken the creative reins of the 007 franchise after decades of family control. Longtime Bond custodians Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli said they would be stepping back.

Amazon MGM Studios, Wilson and Broccoli formed a new joint venture in which they will co-own James Bond intellectual property rights but Amazon MGM will have creative control.

Financial terms weren’t disclosed. The deal is expected to close sometime this year.