Amazon paid just $20 million for the James Bond franchise.

The figure seems incredible, but it's official: Amazon has acquired full control of the legendary James Bond franchise for just $20 million , according to a recent tax return filed by EON Productions with the UK authorities. The information, published by The Hollywood Reporter , has left both 007 fans and film industry analysts speechless.

The most striking fact is that the total amount of the purchase was less than Daniel Craig's own salary for his last portrayal of the British spy in No Time to Die (2021), where the actor would have earned $25 million .

In contrast to the billions the franchise generates worldwide, the sale price seems almost symbolic. However, the transaction wasn't as simple as it seems: behind that figure lies a more complex agreement between Amazon and the heirs of the Bond legacy.

According to EON Productions' tax documents, the company — owned by Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson , descendants of original producers Albert R. Broccoli and Harry Saltzman — sold its rights on February 20, 2025 , including its subsidiaries B24 Limited and B25 Limited , responsible for the production of the latter films.

The Broccoli family has been the guardians of the Bond universe since the 1960s. Under their watch, James Bond became one of the most profitable and long-running franchises in cinematic history, with 25 official films and a legacy spanning more than six decades.

However, the decision to cede creative control to Amazon marked an unprecedented generational shift . According to sources close to the franchise, Broccoli and Wilson will retain a financial and advisory stake in the franchise, allowing them to influence strategic decisions and continue to earn revenue from future productions.

This means that while Amazon retains creative and distribution control , the former producers continue to benefit from the intellectual property through a joint venture structure and potential stock options or dividends .

Analysts estimate the total value of the deal could reach $1 billion , considering future profits, royalties, and side agreements for commercial exploitation.

Since its acquisition of MGM Studios in 2022 , Amazon has shown a clear interest in reviving iconic franchises and expanding its exclusive content for Prime Video . With James Bond, the tech giant is looking to modernize the 007 universe , attract new audiences, and compete directly with Disney and Warner Bros.

In fact, Amazon MGM Studios is already working on the 26th film in the saga , which promises a renewed approach in both style and narrative. The project will be directed by Denis Villeneuve ( Dune , Blade Runner 2049 ), produced by David Heyman ( Harry Potter ) and Amy Pascal ( Spider-Man: No Way Home ), and will feature a script by Steven Knight , creator of Peaky Blinders .

The next 007 installment will be the first project completely under Amazon 's control, and will mark the beginning of a new era. According to reports, the producers are looking for a young, unknown British actor , between 20 and 30 years old, to replace Daniel Craig and kick off a new trilogy .

Production on James Bond 26 is scheduled to begin in 2027 , with a planned release in 2028. Although it's still several years away, anticipation is already high.

Villeneuve reportedly expressed his desire to " reimagine the Bond myth for the 21st century ," combining the classic spy thriller with a more human and contemporary approach. The goal, according to Amazon, is to appeal to both new generations and longtime fans.

Despite promises of renewal, the sale of the franchise has raised concerns among die-hard fans . Some critics believe Amazon could over-commercialize a series that has always been distinguished by its elegance and British cinematic style.

Others see the change as a necessary opportunity: James Bond had to evolve or risk becoming obsolete in the face of sagas like Mission: Impossible or the John Wick universe.

For his part, Broccoli has noted in previous interviews that the future of Bond required "a new vision, supported by a global structure capable of sustaining multi-million-dollar productions and expanding the franchise to new platforms."

That Amazon paid just $20 million for control of one of cinema's most iconic franchises may seem like a joke, but it reflects the negotiating power and long-term vision behind the deal.

Beyond the figure, what's really at stake is the future of James Bond : a character who has survived the Cold War, the turn of the century, and now the leap to streaming.

With a new era underway and a blockbuster directed by Denis Villeneuve, the world is preparing to discover if the most famous spy on the planet will remain—as always—the king of glamour, action, and mystery.