Future James Bond films will continue to be screened in cinemas, despite Amazon’s deal to buy the movie studio.
Amazon will not have free rein to exploit the James Bond franchise and future movies starring the suave spy will continue to be screened in cinemas.
Amazon acquired MGM Studios – which shares the rights to James Bond with Eon Productions, which is run by Barbara Broccoli (the daughter of the original Bond producer, Cubby Broccoli) and Michael G Wilson – last week in a deal worth $8.45 billion.
However, Barbara and Michael have stressed that this does not mean 007 would be pushed solely to Amazon’s streaming service, BBC News Online reported.
“We are committed to continuing to make James Bond films for the worldwide theatrical audience,” they said.
Eon Productions still has creative control over the character and has reportedly previously resisted attempts for him to appear in spin-off TV shows.
The eagerly awaited No Time to Die – the last outing for Daniel Craig as the secret agent – is now due to be released in UK cinemas on 30 September.
Amazon’s deal will also see future James Bond films made available on Amazon Prime, as well as in cinemas.
MGM has one of the largest and most illustrious catalogues in Hollywood including over 4,000 films and 17,000 TV shows. Most will move to the streaming service, although some are tied up in existing deals with broadcaster.
Amazon is also eyeing the potential around reboots, sequels, prequels and other spin-offs from the catalogue.
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