Former James Bond Timothy Dalton Actor “Shocked” Over Amazon Taking Control of 007


The James Bond series has undergone a major transformation, as Amazon MGM now holds complete creative authority over the franchise. Previous guardians of the Bond franchise, Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, are relinquishing their roles but will retain joint ownership of the intellectual property. It’s likely that they received a substantial financial reward for their departure. Recently, former Bond actor Timothy Dalton shared his thoughts on this change during an interview with Radio Times. He was there to promote his latest work, 1923, which is set to debut its second season on Paramount+.

Dalton expressed profound astonishment and dismay, stating, “Barbara is an exceptional woman and a remarkable producer, much like her father Cubby Broccoli, whom I admired deeply and enjoyed my interactions with. Cubby was a formidable figure and a solid foundation for the project. It’s regrettable that he’s no longer with us; that’s really all I can say. He held the reins of the show firmly, and now that control is absent.

Dalton remarked, “The franchise is simply fantastic! Though the films have evolved through various paths over time, there’s something truly special about the original installments that I hope Amazon captures. I wish for them to create a movie that has sparked joy and excitement in so many hearts… all the best to them on their endeavor. May they succeed financially while also delivering quality films.

In The Living Daylights and License To Kill, Dalton portrayed the iconic James Bond character, joining a lineage that encompasses Sir Sean Connery, Daniel Craig, Pierce Brosnan, Sir Roger Moore, and George Lazenby. As to who will assume this role in the future, it’s yet to be determined; however, the decision-making process is likely to be different this time due to recent changes within the production team.

In a statement, Wilson announced that after an extraordinary 60 years of involvement with the James Bond series, he will be shifting his focus towards artistic pursuits and charitable endeavors. As such, he and his wife, Barbara, believe it is appropriate for Amazon MGM Studios to guide the James Bond franchise into its future.

As a proud steward of the exceptional cinematic legacy passed down to me and my brother by our father, the renowned producer Cubby Broccoli, I’ve been privileged to collaborate closely with four exceptional actors who embodied 007 and countless talented artists within the industry. With the culmination of ‘No Time to Die’ and Michael’s retirement from the films, it feels right to redirect my energy towards other creative endeavors.

Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, expressed his gratitude towards Albert R. Broccoli and Harry Saltzman for initially bringing James Bond to cinemas worldwide, as well as Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli for their enduring commitment and significant contributions in preserving the beloved franchise. He also stated that they are privileged to uphold this cherished legacy and eagerly anticipate introducing a new era of 007 to global audiences.

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2025-02-22 20:11