Amazon agreement explained as fans fear James Bond movies will go straight to streaming

Worries that the traditional cinematic release of future James Bond films could be at risk have already been explained following Amazon's total creative control acquisition of the film franchise.

Eon Productions, Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson have handed over power to Amazon MGM Studios.

Coming four years after the release of the last Bond film in 2021, No Time to Die, it follows on from Amazon buying Bond's parent studio, MGM, back in 2022.

Remaining a joint venture with Broccoli and Wilson still co-owners of the franchise, it comes as fans continue to wait to see who the new 007 will be following the death of the character in the 2021 film and the final appearance of Daniel Craig as the iconic British spy.

In a statement, Wilson said: "With my 007 career spanning nearly 60 incredible years, I am stepping back from producing the James Bond films to focus on art and charitable projects.

"Therefore, Barbara and I agree, it is time for our trusted partner, Amazon MGM Studios, to lead James Bond into the future."

Following the announcement, some fans are worried what the Amazon creative takeover could mean, with one movie buff writing: "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 is one of our last, great theatrical events. Don’t dilute that with a plethora of streaming spin-offs."

Who will replace Craig as 007? (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer / Eon Productions)

Another posted to X saying they worried it might mark the 'end of cinema'.

And a third wrote: "Stick with the monies and release them in the theatres."

But as reported by the Wall Street Journal last year, the acquisition of MGM by Amazon stipulated that Jeff Bezos' company remained committed to releasing Bond on the big screen rather than, say, directly to Amazon Prime Video.

This was a critical point for Broccoli, who waited a massive 18 months to put No Time to Die in theatres due to the Covid-19 lockdowns.

Amazon has held firm to this commitment for future releases that take place in the cinema.

Pierce Brosnan was Bond before Craig took over (Keith Hamshere/Getty Images)

So fear not, given Amazon's commitment. Unless the company dares to renege on it.

For now, all eyes are on who will replace Craig.

Among the rumoured names are James Norton, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Theo James, and Harris Dickinson.

There is no clear favourite with the bookies, hinting that the team behind the next Bond film haven't made a decision yet, or it is one of the biggest secrets being kept in Hollywood.

Reports say Broccoli and Wilson will 'remain co-owners of the franchise', so it's not wholly in Bezos' hands.