Amazon Takes Creative Control of James Bond for $20 Million

Amazon.com Inc.'s MGM Studios has taken creative control of the James Bond franchise in a deal valued at $20 million, according to a U.K. corporate filing; a surprisingly modest sum for one of Hollywood's most valuable properties.

The filing from Eon Productions, the London-based company controlled by longtime Bond producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, disclosed that Amazon MGM paid $20 million for the franchise rights, subsidiary production vehicles and associated assets. The transaction, announced Feb. 20, gives the tech giant primary authority over future films in the 007 series.

The price tag has raised eyebrows across the entertainment industry. Amazon paid roughly $8.5 billion to acquire MGM Holdings in 2022, a deal driven largely by the studio's distribution rights to Bond. Industry observers had speculated the franchise itself could command up to $1 billion, making the actual consideration paid to Eon a fraction of those estimates.

The Eon filing states: "On 20 February 2025 the company entered into an agreement for the sale of its interest in the Bond franchise, all associated assets as well as its subsidiary companies. The total consideration for the sale amounted to $20 million (USD)."

James Bond Deal Structure Raises Questions About Valuation

The discrepancy between expectations and reality points to a complex deal structure. Amazon has described the arrangement as a joint venture, suggesting Broccoli and Wilson retain financial stakes in future Bond projects. The producers likely negotiated earn-outs and residuals tied to performance, though Amazon declined to comment on specific terms.

Under the agreement, a newly formed entity called London Operations LLC will oversee Bond-related matters, serving as the holding company for what Amazon characterizes as a partnership with the Broccoli family.

The transaction also gave Amazon control of B24 Ltd. and B25 Ltd., special-purpose vehicles Eon used to produce "Spectre" and "No Time to Die," the most recent Bond films.

For Amazon, the deal secures one of entertainment's most enduring franchises as the company builds out its content ecosystem across Prime Video, theatrical releases and merchandise. The studio is already developing a new Bond film targeting a 2027 release, with Denis Villeneuve, director of the "Dune" films, in talks to helm the project. Producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman are attached.

The modest upfront payment contrasts sharply with Amazon's other content investments. The company committed an estimated $250 million for rights to "The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power" television series.

Broccoli and Wilson, who inherited stewardship of Bond from Broccoli's father, producer Albert "Cubby" Broccoli, have jealously guarded the franchise's creative direction for decades. Their willingness to cede control, even while maintaining financial interest, marks a significant shift for a family that has produced Bond films since 1962's "Dr. No."