Amazon has taken a significant step forward in its expansion into the entertainment industry, gaining creative control over the iconic James Bond franchise. The e-commerce giant-turned-studio has formed a new joint venture with Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, the long-time producers of the Bond films, to steer the direction of the franchise.

The announcement marks a significant shift in the relationship between Amazon and Broccoli, who had previously been hesitant to let the studio take the reins due to concerns over its algorithm-driven approach to developing entertainment projects. Broccoli had been vocal about her reservations, reportedly referring to Amazon development executives as "f— idiots" in a Wall Street Journal report last December.

However, it appears that the two parties have put aside their differences, with Broccoli and Wilson announcing their plans to step back from the franchise and focus on other endeavors. In a statement, Broccoli expressed her desire to focus on her other projects, while Wilson echoed her sentiments and expressed trust in Amazon MGM to "lead James Bond into the future."

The joint venture will see Amazon MGM take full creative control over the Bond franchise, with Broccoli and Wilson remaining co-owners of the franchise. The move is likely to pave the way for new Bond films, with Amazon chairman Jeff Bezos already taking to his X account to ask his followers who they think should play the next Bond.

The deal is a significant coup for Amazon, which acquired MGM in 2021. The studio has been expanding its entertainment offerings, and gaining control over the Bond franchise is a major milestone in its efforts to become a major player in the industry.

The implications of the deal are far-reaching, with Amazon's algorithm-driven approach likely to bring a new level of data-driven decision-making to the franchise. While some fans may be concerned about the potential impact on the franchise's creative direction, others will be excited to see what Amazon can bring to the table.

As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, the Amazon-Bond deal is a significant development that will be closely watched by industry observers. With Amazon's resources and reach, the possibilities for the franchise are endless, and it will be interesting to see how the studio chooses to take the iconic character forward.

In the meantime, fans of the franchise will be eagerly awaiting news of what's next for Bond. With Amazon at the helm, it's likely that the franchise will undergo a significant transformation, and it will be fascinating to see how the studio chooses to balance the character's legacy with its own creative vision.