Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos personally insisted on Amazon acquiring full creative rights to the James Bond franchise. This decision was reportedly driven by offense taken at remarks from the saga’s creators, according to sources.
The James Bond brand was previously controlled by producers Michael Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, children of the original franchise creator, Albert Broccoli. Before his passing, Albert Broccoli urged his children to fiercely protect the rights and prevent outsiders from damaging the franchise, saying they could ruin it themselves if they wished, but not to allow others to do so. Following Amazon’s acquisition of MGM and its film library in 2021, which included the James Bond films, Amazon began exerting pressure on the producers. Wilson and Broccoli resisted Amazon’s proposals, refusing to transform the franchise into television series or produce rapid, low-quality films.
However, in 2024, Michael Wilson decided to retire. Around the same time, media reports surfaced an excerpt from a conversation where Barbara Broccoli referred to Amazon’s leadership as “complete idiots” when discussing the company’s involvement in Bond productions. Jeff Bezos himself is said to have seen this, and insiders claim he declared, “I don’t care how much it costs. Get rid of her.” Bezos reportedly contributed a significant portion of the acquisition funds personally. Without her brother to contend with Amazon’s pressure, Broccoli allegedly agreed to the deal, and together they sold the franchise.
It was reported in February 2025 that Amazon had purchased the creative rights to James Bond. Media sources suggest the deal was valued at over a billion dollars.
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