Future James Bond films will continue to be shown in cinemas, despite Amazon’s agreement to purchase a movie studio with the rights to 007.
The tech giant recently bought out MGM for a purchase worth $ 8.45bn (£ 5.97bn) this week.
Bond producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson stressed that the agreement would not mean that the spy would only be seen on Amazon’s broadcasting service.
Upcoming James Bond Projects
“We are committed to continuing to make James Bond films for theater audiences around the world,” he said.
Bond rights were shared by MGM and Eon Productions, owned by Broccoli and Wilson.
Broccoli is the daughter of the first Bond producer Cubby Broccoli, and she and Wilson are still in control of the character.
With the Amazon deal, MGM’s share has now been handed over to the giant, but Broccoli and Wilson will hold on tight to the secretive suave character of Bond, who plays him, and which direction the movies shall take in the future.
The pair have reportedly previously resisted attempts for him to appear in spin-off TV shows.
Amazon’s Deal
Amazon will therefore not be able to freely use the franchise with spin-offs in a way, for example, the Star Wars extended space on Disney +.
Under the agreement, James Bond films will be made available on Amazon Prime – but Eon’s statement makes it clear that they will also be screened in movie theatres.
The next installment, No Time To Die – Daniel Craig’s last release – is expected to be released in UK movies on September 30 and in the US on October 8 after a series of Covid-related delays.
Iconic Movie Catalogs
MGM has one of the largest and most iconic catalogs in Hollywood, including more than 4,000 films and 17,000 TV shows.
Its films include Rocky, Legally Blonde, The Pink Panther, Tomb Raider, Basic Instinct, Raging Bull, Robocop, The Silence of the Lambs and Thelma & Louise. However, earlier classics like Gone With the Wind and The Wizard of Oz were sold at previous deals.
MGM shows include Talemaid’s Tale, Fargo and Vikings.
Most will relocate to Amazon broadcasting service, although some are bound by existing contracts with broadcasters.
A large part of Amazon’s strategy revolves around the ability to make reboots, sequels, prequels and other spin-offs.
“We look forward to reflecting on and developing the deep MGM catalog,” Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos said Wednesday.
“The acquisition’s thesis here is really very simple. MGM has a vast, deep catalogue of much-loved intellectual property. With the talented people at MGM and Amazon Studios, we can reimagine and develop that IP for the 21st Century.”
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