Another prominent star from the franchise has chimed in regarding the recent acquisition of MGM Studios by and its implications for the iconic spy series.

On Thursday, February 20, it was officially announced that Amazon is establishing a new joint venture with renowned producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli. This significant deal means that the intellectual property rights of the James Bond franchise will now be transferred to Amazon.

Despite this shift, Wilson and Broccoli will retain their roles as co-owners of the franchise, ensuring their ongoing influence in its direction.

However, this arrangement grants Amazon substantial creative control over all future productions related to James Bond, potentially paving the way for a new era in the franchise's storied history.

As fans and industry insiders alike anticipate the changes this merger may bring, the future of 007 appears to be in the hands of a tech giant with ambitious plans for content production.

The unexpected announcement regarding the future of the British film franchise has caused quite a stir, especially given that nearly four years have elapsed since the release of the last installment, 2021's critically acclaimed No Time To Die.

This lengthy gap has led to rampant speculation within the film industry about the direction of the franchise and the potential for a new actor to take on the iconic role of James Bond.

The recent deal has taken many by surprise, prompting varied responses from those in the film community. Notably, Daniel Craig, who portrayed the beloved character in five films, shared his thoughts on the matter, reflecting on the significance of the franchise and its legacy.

Adding to the discourse, Timothy Dalton, renowned for his portrayal of the legendary spy in the late 1980s with films The Living Daylights (1987) and Licence to Kill (1989), expressed his astonishment at the developments during an interview with Radio Times.

"I was very, very surprised and shocked," Dalton revealed, emphasizing the unexpected nature of the news. He went on to commend Barbara Broccoli, the current steward of the franchise, describing her as a "fabulous woman and a wonderful producer."

Dalton fondly recalled his interactions with her father, Cubby Broccoli, a pivotal figure in the series' history.

"He was a very powerful and strong anchor for the project," Dalton noted, highlighting the enduring impact that both Broccoli family members have had on the iconic series.

The 78-year-old continued: "Nothing went on that he didn't want, and it's sad that he's not with us anymore; that's all I can say. He was well in charge of the show and that's not so anymore."