James Bond’s long-serving producers pass control to Amazon

The franchise has been owned by the same family since 1962.

The Hollywood Reporter reports that creative control will now be passed to Amazon MGM Studios, which was formed when Amazon bought Bond's parent studio in 2022.

The Bond films were launched by Albert "Cubby" Broccoli in 1962, before his daughter and stepson took over.

The new deal comes after mounting speculation about the fate of the British spy, four years after his last outing in No Time to Die - which also happened to be Daniel Craig's final appearance in the role.

In a statement given to THR, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, Mike Hopkins, said: "We are grateful to the late Albert R. Broccoli and Harry Saltzman for bringing James Bond to movie theatres around the world, and to Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli for their unyielding dedication and their role in continuing the legacy of the franchise that is cherished by legions of fans worldwide.

"We are honored to continue this treasured heritage, and look forward to ushering in the next phase of the legendary 007 for audiences around the world," he added.

Barbara Broccoli echoed that it was time for her to step aside and allow Amazon MGM Studios to take over the creative reins.

"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."

She continued: "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.

"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," Broccoli said.