Daniel Craig, the renowned actor who portrayed James Bond in the latest five installments, has expressed his reaction to the significant change in the franchise's creative control. In a recent statement to Entertainment Weekly, Craig conveyed his unwavering respect and admiration for longtime producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson.
"My respect, admiration, and love for Barbara and Michael remain constant and undiminished," Craig shared. He also wished Wilson a well-deserved retirement and expressed hope to be part of Broccoli's future ventures.
The James Bond franchise, originating from Ian Fleming's novels, stands as one of the most enduring film series. Since Sean Connery's debut as 007 in "Dr. No" (1962), the Broccoli and Wilson family has fiercely protected the franchise from corporate influence. However, a significant shift occurred when Amazon MGM acquired creative control, although Broccoli and Wilson will remain co-owners.
Having acquired the Bond rights from their late father, Albert "Cubby" Broccoli, Wilson and Broccoli have been pivotal in maintaining the franchise's legacy. Wilson, now 83, plans to focus on art and charitable projects, while his sister Barbara, 64, intends to explore other projects following "No Time to Die" and Wilson's retirement.
The announcement of Amazon MGM's control has sparked concerns among devoted Bond fans. There's apprehension that Prime Video might introduce numerous TV spinoffs, potentially diluting the franchise's storied legacy. Last year, a report from The Wall Street Journal highlighted tensions between Broccoli and the studio over creative suggestions following Amazon's $8.5 billion acquisition of MGM.
Daniel Craig, chosen by Broccoli and Wilson to debut as Bond in "Casino Royale" (2006), has left an indelible mark on the franchise with his performances in five Bond films, including "No Time to Die." While Craig's statement was graceful, many fans voiced their concerns about the future direction of the franchise.
Filmmaker Joe Russo commented, "It’s kinda sad to see the last family-owned movie franchise handed over to the suits, and I’m sure Amazon MGM is salivating, BUT…DON’T cinematic universe James Bond. It’s one of our last, great theatrical events."
