Amazon CEO Andy Jassy has weighed in on the future of the James Bond franchise after the company gained creative control of the property.
Last week it was announced that Bond long-time producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson would no longer have creative control of the franchise.
The pair struck a deal with Amazon MGM Studios — which has held the distribution rights to the movie series since 2022 — with the three parties entering a new joint venture to house the intellectual property rights.
Commenting on the huge acquisition for Amazon, Jassy said there isn't a plan at the moment.
"We don't have a plan yet on what the next theme is going to be," he told CNBC (via Deadline).
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While Broccoli and Wilson remain co-owners of the franchise, creative decisions are now up to Amazon, but Jassy clarified there isn't a story for a new Bond film just yet.
"We haven't – nobody's written the story yet," he said. "But we will take great care. It's an amazing franchise that we care a lot about and that we expect to develop over a long period of time."
Jassy was being quizzed about new AI features being introduced to Amazon's Alexa voice assistant, quipping that he doesn't think "AI is going to write a Bond movie any time soon".
The CEO then added that executives at the company are "incredibly honoured to have the ability to help shepherd the Bond franchise for the next generation".
"And we have amazing filmmakers that we have hired over time at MGM Amazon Studios," he continued.
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Jassy's reassurances follow the shocking news which left some Bond fans apprehensive about what will become of the British spy on the big screen. The series' most recent outing is 2021's No Time To Die, which marked Daniel Craig's final appearance in the role of Bond.
Craig shared a statement about the franchise being handed over to Amazon, noting: "My respect, admiration and love for Barbara and Michael remain constant and undiminished.
"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," the star concluded.
Reporter, Digital Spy
Stefania is a freelance writer specialising in TV and movies. After graduating from City University, London, she covered LGBTQ+ news and pursued a career in entertainment journalism, with her work appearing in outlets including Little White Lies, The Skinny, Radio Times and Digital Spy.
Her beats are horror films and period dramas, especially if fronted by queer women. She can argue why Scream is the best slasher in four languages (and a half).
