Daniel Craig makes emotional James Bond statement after Amazon takeover

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Daniel Craig has finally commented on the landmark deal that will see Amazon claim a stake in the iconic James Bond series.

On Thursday, it was revealed that Jeff Bezos’ mammoth company will hold creative reins over the famous 007 character as long-standing producers Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli take a step back in an exciting new arrangement.

Eon Productions, helmed by the duo who have stewarded the Bond legacy for six decades following the passing of Albert “Cubby” Broccoli, will retain their co-ownership alongside Amazon MGM Studios.

The cherished lineup of Bond films has been under the stewardship of the Broccoli lineage from the very first film, ‘Dr No’, in 1962.

In remarks to The Hollywood Reporter, Craig expressed his sentiments, stating: “My respect, admiration and love for Barbara and Michael remain constant and undiminished.”

He articulated further wishes, adding: “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.”

Meanwhile, Bezos – the founder and executive chairman of Amazon, which encompasses Amazon MGM Studios – took his thoughts to the digital masses, seeking opinions on who should don the suave tuxedo next.

The response was swift and plentiful, with suggestions including Henry Cavill, Idris Elba, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and James McAvoy featuring prominently among fan favourites.

Speculation has been rife about the future of the iconic James Bond series, especially since no new actor has been announced to take over from Daniel Craig following his final performance in 2021’s No Time to Die.

In a significant development in 2022, Amazon acquired MGM, thereby gaining the rights to distribute James Bond films and control over the intellectual property rights.

Wilson is set to leave the film industry to concentrate on art and charitable projects, while Broccoli will be pursuing other ventures, according to the pair. A statement revealed that the Broccoli family and Amazon MGM Studios have established a new joint venture to manage the James Bond intellectual property rights, with both parties retaining co-ownership of the franchise.

The statement further clarified: “Under the terms of the new venture, Amazon MGM Studios will gain creative control of the James Bond franchise following closing of the transaction.”

Wilson expressed: “With my 007 career spanning nearly 60 incredible years, I am stepping back from producing the James Bond films to focus on art and charitable projects. Therefore, Barbara and I agree, it is time for our trusted partner, Amazon MGM Studios, to lead James Bond into the future.”

Broccoli said: “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 honour 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.”

Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, commented: “Since his theatrical introduction over 60 years ago, James Bond has been one of the most iconic characters in filmed entertainment.

“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 honoured to continue this treasured heritage, and look forward to ushering in the next phase of the legendary 007 for audiences around the world.”

Broccoli and her half-brother Wilson have produced the last nine Bond films, including Casino Royale, Quantum Of Solace, Spectre and No Time To Die, and have been honoured with CBEs, and won the outstanding British film Bafta for 2012’s Skyfall along with director Sir Sam Mendes. In 2023, they brought out the spin-off Bond Prime Video game show 007: Road To A.

The Succession actor Brian Cox is set to return for a second series of Million. After the announcement, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos took to Instagram to ask his followers: “Who’d you pick as the next Bond?”

The Wall Street Journal has previously reported on disagreements between Broccoli and Amazon MGM Studios over creative control, with her reportedly stating “don’t have temporary people make permanent decisions”.

The newspaper also claimed that Amazon MGM Studios plans to expand Bond into TV and other ventures. The deal is anticipated to be finalised in 2025, subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions, according to PA news agency.

In other news, an Austrian businessman, Josef Kleindienst, has filed a trademark cancellation request with UK and European intellectual property offices. Mr Kleindienst is developing an island named The Heart of Europe off the coast of Dubai, and wishes to use the 007 trademark.