Daniel Craig has commented on the announcement that Amazon has taken control of the James Bond franchise.

      United Artists Releasing

      The shocking announcement that Amazon MGM has assumed creative control of the James Bond franchise has sparked numerous concerns regarding its future. For Daniel Craig, the most recent actor to portray Bond, it was an opportunity to honor Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, who have guided Bond's journey to the big screen for over 60 years.

      "My respect, admiration, and love for Barbara and Michael remain steadfast and unchanged," Craig shared with Variety. "I wish Michael a peaceful, enjoyable (and well-deserved) retirement, and I know whatever projects Barbara pursues will be exceptional, and I hope to be involved in them."

      Broccoli and Wilson will continue as co-owners of the franchise alongside Amazon MGM, but the latter will now have creative authority over its future.

      Craig portrayed Bond for 15 years from 2006 to 2021, and since then, speculation about the franchise's future has persisted. Wilson, having penned scripts for various Bond films in the past, has indicated he is ready to retire from Hollywood at the age of 87. Broccoli, on the other hand, stated that she will shift her focus to projects beyond the realm of Bond.

      Fans of the character and franchise are feeling anxious about what lies ahead now that Bond is under the management of a large conglomerate. The franchise stands as one of the longest-running in Hollywood history, and a key factor in its uniqueness has been its governance by a single family. There are also discussions about the potential for a Bond television series.

      Joe Allen is a freelance writer for Digital Trends, focusing on Movies and TV. He often writes about streaming...

      Where to stream all the James Bond movies

      For many viewers looking to enjoy popular franchises, the streaming era has been a significant boon. A multitude of blockbuster films became readily available at one's fingertips. However, this ease of access also highlighted the challenges of finding the James Bond franchise, with no guarantees on where to find any specific Bond film.

      With Amazon's acquisition of MGM Studios—home to James Bond for many years—streaming the entire 60-year franchise in one location is now much more feasible. Every James Bond movie is now accessible on Prime Video, allowing fans to watch them sequentially from the beginning. Amazon was quick to note that this extensive collection of Bond films will only be accessible for a "limited time," though it did not clarify what that entails.

      How much does Amazon Prime Video cost?

      If you don't usually have an Amazon Prime subscription but are eager for Bond, you can sign up exclusively for Amazon Prime Video for $8.99 per month. Alternatively, Amazon Prime is available for $14.99 per month, providing the additional perk of free two-day shipping on a variety of products sold on Amazon. A full year's subscription to Prime costs $139, which is more economical than the monthly rate.

      Is it worth subscribing just for Bond?

      Amazon Studios and MGM’s merger has been finalized

      Nearly a year ago, Amazon revealed intentions to merge with MGM for $8.5 billion. This deal has now concluded, placing Amazon in control of MGM's film and TV library, which includes nearly a century's worth of content encompassing over 4,000 movies, including the Bond films, and a television catalog featuring more than 17,000 episodes.

      The $8.5 billion deal may seem modest compared to Disney's $71.3 billion purchase of Fox's entertainment assets in 2019. However, the objectives and outcomes remain similar. Amazon aimed to acquire MGM's titles to enrich its Prime Video offerings, mirroring Disney's strategy of enhancing selections on Disney+ and Hulu with Fox's titles. The upcoming merger of WarnerMedia and Discovery is poised to be the next major development in Hollywood, though it likely won't be the last.

      Final No Time to Die trailer pays tribute to Daniel Craig’s Bond

      Fifteen years ago, Daniel Craig began his tenure as 007 in Casino Royale. It has been a long and unusual journey for Craig's James Bond, but now his time is drawing to a close with No Time to Die. Following a lengthy COVID-related delay, the concluding chapter of Craig's Bond era is nearing its release, and the latest—and final—trailer for No Time to Die reveals more details while honoring Craig's portrayal of the suave and rugged secret agent.

      NO TIME TO DIE | Final US Trailer