announced they are stepping down. The Bond films were launched by Albert "Cubby" Broccoli in 1962, before his daughter and stepson took over. The pair will now give creative control to Amazon MGM Studios, which was formed when Amazon bought Bond's parent studio in 2022.

The new deal comes after mounting speculation about the fate of the British spy, four years after his last outing in No Time to Die, which was also Daniel Craig's final appearance in the role. Amazon will now decide which actor will take over the famous character, but there is still no timescale for when that that will happen or when the next film will be made. Last year, Amazon launched a spin-off TV series, 007: Road to a Million, hosted by Succession star Brian Cox. It featured nine teams in a race to win £1m each through a series of spy-themed challenges, however it was poorly received by fans and critics.

A statement said Broccoli and Wilson will "remain co-owners of the franchise" as part of a new joint venture but Amazon MGM Studios "will gain creative control". Wilson, 83, 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, 64, added: "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."