What MGM’s Creative Takeover Means for 007
For decades, James Bond has been the epitome of British espionage, a franchise rooted in suave charm, thrilling action, and a signature martini order. But now, in a dramatic industry shake-up, MGM (Amazon MGM Studios) has assumed full creative control over the world’s most famous spy—marking the first time in 62 years that the Broccoli family is no longer calling the shots.
This shift has ignited speculation about what James Bond will look like under MGM’s leadership. Will we see drastic changes in the storytelling? Could we get an American Bond? And does this mean a streaming future for 007? Let’s break it all down.
Who Had Control of James Bond Before?
For over six decades, the Broccoli family, through EON Productions, held creative control over the Bond films. Albert R. “Cubby” Broccoli and Harry Saltzman first acquired the screen rights to Ian Fleming’s novels in the early 1960s, producing Dr. No (1962) with Sean Connery.
Following Saltzman’s departure in 1975, Cubby Broccoli became the sole steward of Bond’s legacy, passing control to his daughter Barbara Broccoli and stepson Michael G. Wilson in the 1990s. Since then, EON Productions has fiercely guarded Bond’s identity—ensuring it remained British, grounded in Fleming’s legacy, and resistant to radical Hollywood trends.
That is—until now.
Who Was the Original Owner of James Bond?
James Bond originated from the mind of Ian Fleming, a former British intelligence officer who published his first 007 novel, Casino Royale, in 1953. While Fleming sold some early adaptation rights—including a disastrous CBS television adaptation of Casino Royale in 1954—the bulk of the rights remained tied to EON Productions and their distribution partners.
MGM became a key distributor of Bond films in the 1980s and has since played a financial role in Bond’s releases, but they never controlled the creative direction—until Amazon’s acquisition of MGM in 2022 for $6.1 billion changed the game.
Now, Amazon MGM Studios has full creative power over Bond’s future, making decisions on directors, scripts, and the film’s overall vision.
What Can We Expect from an MGM Version of James Bond?
With Amazon MGM in charge, the Bond franchise is poised for a major shift, and here’s what could happen:
🔹 More Blockbuster Influence – MGM is known for big-budget spectacle (e.g., Creed, The Hobbit), meaning Bond films could become more action-heavy and less spy-centric.
🔹 Potential Streaming Releases – Amazon’s heavy push for Prime Video exclusives could mean that Bond movies (or spinoffs) land on streaming platforms, rather than remaining theatrical exclusives.
🔹 A Shift in Tone – While EON kept Bond largely rooted in espionage thrillers, MGM might introduce more stylized, Hollywood-style action (think Mission: Impossible).
🔹 Creative Experimentation – MGM might be less resistant to reinvention, meaning changes like a non-British Bond, a Bond TV series, or a radical genre shift could be on the table.
What Directors Usually Work with MGM?
MGM has collaborated with a variety of notable directors in recent years, including:
🎬 Denis Villeneuve (Dune, Blade Runner 2049) – A master of stylish, high-concept storytelling, he could bring a darker, more atmospheric Bond film.
🎬 Paul Thomas Anderson (Licorice Pizza, There Will Be Blood) – Not an action director, but his history with MGM makes him an unexpected wildcard.
🎬 Luca Guadagnino (Call Me by Your Name, Bones and All) – Known for his visually stunning and intimate storytelling, could he give us a more emotionally complex Bond?
🎬 Michael B. Jordan (as director?) – MGM backed Creed III, which was directed by its star Michael B. Jordan. Could he bring a fresh perspective to Bond?
Who I am rooting for direct the next James Bond movies
At 94 years old, Clint Eastwood is a Hollywood legend, but he’s highly unlikely to be tapped for a Bond film. Why?
✅ He has worked with MGM before (Cry Macho, The Mule), so there’s a relationship.
❌ His filmmaking style is old-school—leaning on Western aesthetics and slower pacing. Bond films require tight, high-energy action and modern sensibilities.
❌ Eastwood prefers directing passion projects—not big studio-controlled franchises.
That said, if MGM wanted a gritty, stripped-down Bond movie, Eastwood might be a fascinating—but unlikely—pick.
The Future of Bond: Bold Reinvention or Hollywood Sellout?
With MGM now in control, the Bond franchise is at a crossroads. Will they respect its spy-thriller legacy, or push it toward mainstream Hollywood action? Could we see a new 007 television universe unfold on Prime Video?
One thing is certain: the lion has eaten Bond whole—and whether it’s a bold new direction or a Hollywood misstep, the world will be watching.