Daniel Craig releases emotional statement as Amazon gains control of James Bond franchise after 63 years

James Bond star Daniel Craig has reacted to Amazon MGM Studios gaining creative control the 007 franchise.

Earlier this week, the tech and streaming giant and longtime 007 producers Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli have formed a new joint venture to house the James Bond intellectual property rights. While they will remain co-owners of the franchise, creative control is now with MGM.

The decision follows Amazon's purchase of MGM Studios a few years back, meaning that the company was previously just allowed to release James Bond movies, but will now call the shots about the future of the franchise.

Daniel Craig's final appearance as James Bond was in 2021's No Time To Die. (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer)

Commenting on the announcement, Craig, who played the titular spy created by Ian Fleming in five Bond movies, praised Broccoli and Wilson and wished them well in their future endeavours.

“My respect, admiration and love for Barbara and Michael remain constant and undiminished,” the Knives Out star told The Hollywood Reporter.

He continued: “I wish Michael a long, relaxing (and well-deserved) retirement and whatever ventures Barbara goes on to do, I know they will be spectacular and I hope I can be part of them.”

Craig is the latest actor to have played the English secret agent, with his final appearance as Bond dating back to 2021 with No Time To Die.

Following Craig’s departure, there has been constant speculation about who will be rocking the Bond tuxedo next, with Aaron Taylor-Johnson emerging as one of the favourite stars for the role of Bond. Now, Amazon will be behind the casting decisions.

Who will be playing James Bond next? (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer)

Speaking on the shocking move 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.”

Broccoli said: "My life has been dedicated to maintaining and building upon the extraordinary legacy that was handed to Michael and me by our father, producer Cubby Broccoli.

"I have had the honour of working closely with four of the tremendously talented actors who have played 007 and thousands of wonderful artists within the industry.

"With the conclusion of No Time to Die and Michael retiring from the films, I feel it is time to focus on my other projects.”

Since the release of Dr. No back in 1962, the James Bond series has been helmed by Eon Productions, Albert 'Cubby' Broccoli and Harry Saltzman, and then Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli.