Daniel Craig has offered heartfelt praise for legendary producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, following the recent announcement that they have entrusted the creative reins of the iconic James Bond franchise to Amazon MGM Studios. In a statement provided to The Hollywood Reporter, Craig expressed, "My unwavering respect, profound admiration, and enduring affection for Barbara and Michael remain steadfast. As Michael embarks on a well-deserved, lengthy, and leisurely retirement, and Barbara ventures into new endeavors, I am confident they will be nothing short of spectacular, and I eagerly await the opportunity to potentially join them in their future pursuits."
Craig, who has immortalized the British spy in five films spanning the franchise's storied history – Casino Royale (2006), Quantum of Solace (2008), Skyfall (2012), Spectre (2015), and the recent No Time to Die (2021) – stands as the most recent actor to don the iconic role.
Earlier on Thursday, THR revealed that Amazon MGM Studios will establish a groundbreaking joint venture to house the invaluable intellectual property rights of James Bond. Under this new agreement, the studio will assume creative control of the franchise, while Wilson and Broccoli will continue to co-own the property. Having acquired MGM in 2022, Amazon has held the distribution rights to the Bond movies since then.
Wilson, now 83, announced in a statement his intention to step away from producing the films to concentrate on his artistic pursuits and philanthropic endeavors. Alongside Broccoli, they have spearheaded the creative decisions for the Bond movies, inheriting the mantle from their late father, Albert “Cubby” Broccoli, who was instrumental in the franchise since its inception with the 1962 Sean Connery-led Dr. No, the first Bond feature film.
Barbara Broccoli echoed this sentiment in her own statement, saying, "With No Time to Die wrapping up and Michael stepping down from his producing role, I sense it's time for me to redirect my focus towards my other projects."
Now, fans of the iconic franchise eagerly anticipate Amazon MGM Studios' next moves, including the crucial decision of who will don the tuxedo and savor a martini as the legendary 007.
