Why the Broccolis Gave Up Bond

From the get-go, it was clear that a productive relationship between Amazon and the stewards of the billions-grossing James Bond franchise was not possible. And now, after years of failing to manage their talent, Jeff Bezos and Mike Hopkins have simply thrown more money at the problem.

“Don’t have temporary people make permanent decisions.” That’s been Broccoli’s rationale for protecting Hollywood’s longest-running—and, at 25 movies and $7.6 billion in worldwide box office, one of its most successful—film franchises from the forces that often overexploit and ruin them. Photo: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images

Matthew Belloni

February 21, 2025

The temporary people have become permanent. That’s really the only way to convey the shock around town today at the announcement that Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson have sold their birthright—the creative control over James Bond—to Amazon. Terms of the joint venture were not disclosed, and the $1 billion price that has been floated in the media isn’t accurate, according to two sources familiar. But once the deal closes, Amazon is definitely writing a big check. (An Amazon rep declined to comment.)