James Bond Movies Will Still Release In Theaters, Despite Amazon Purchase

Even super spies like James Bond have to adapt to modern times, but that doesn't mean future 007 films will head directly to streaming--despite the recent acquisition of Bond studio MGM by Amazon. On the contrary, series producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson say they're "committed" to keeping Bond on the big screen, according to Variety.

Amazon this week announced its purchase of MGM for $8.45 billion, following rumors about the acquisition. Naturally, that led to speculation that future movies in MGM's most valuable franchise might be leveraged to bolster Amazon Prime's streaming video offerings, much how Warner Bros. has sacrificed several blockbusters at the altar of HBO Max thanks to the pandemic. But while Bond movies will no doubt stream on Amazon Prime in the future, it seems theatrical releases will also remain in the picture.

"We are committed to continuing to make James Bond films for the worldwide theatrical audience," reads the statement from Wilson and Broccoli (who is the daughter of famed James Bond producer Albert R. "Cubby" Broccoli). The duo run Eon Productions, which has been responsible for all but a handful of Bond movies starting with 1962's Dr. No.

As far as Amazon's plans for MGM, the company said in a statement this week that they "will help preserve MGM's heritage and catalog of films, and provide customers with greater access to these existing works," and that "through this acquisition, Amazon would empower MGM to continue to do what they do best: great storytelling."

The next movie in the Bond franchise is No Time To Die, in which Daniel Craig will once again fill the suave spy's shoes. It's scheduled for an October release in the US, following several COVID-related delays. Check out everything we know about No Time To Die for more.