Ex-007 breaks silence after Amazon takes control of ‘James Bond’ film franchise: ‘Surprised and shocked’

nypost.com:

Amazon MGM Studios gained creative control over the film franchise after producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson announced they would be taking a step back.“I was very, very surprised and shocked,” Dalton, 78, told the Radio Times. “Barbara is I think a fabulous woman and a wonderful producer, as was her father Cubby Broccoli, who I got on with very well and liked a lot.

He was a very powerful and strong anchor for the project. Nothing went on that he didn’t want and it’s sad that he’s not with us anymore, that’s all I can say.

He was well in charge of the show and that’s not so anymore.”The late Albert “Cubby” Broccoli, the creator and producer of the films, passed down the franchise to his daughter, Barbara, and stepson, Wilson, in 1955.The pair maintained creative control over the movie series through their own company Eon Productions despite the franchise being owned by MGM Studios, which was later acquired by Amazon in 2022.But on Thursday, a statement from Wilson, 83, and Barbara, 64, announced they would be taking a step back from the franchise — him to “focus on art and charitable projects” and her to focus on “other projects.” The duo will still be co-owners of the Bond franchise, per Variety.The deal reportedly cost Amazon approximately $1 billion, according to Deadline.“The movies have taken different courses over the years, but there is something very good about the original and I hope Amazon latch onto that and give us the kind of film that’s brought so much excitement and fun to so many people,” Dalton said. “Anyway, good luck to them, I say.