What Amazon’s MGM deal means for James Bond, Rocky, and other franchises

Hollywood is buzzing about Amazon’s purchase of MGM Holdings and its massive library of movie and TV franchises, which reportedly accounts for approximately 4,000 individual films and 17,000 hours of TV content. To say that it’s a big deal is an understatement, as the $8.45 billion deal provides an injection of well-known entertainment properties into Amazon’s future plans at a time when Amazon Prime Video has struggled to match the brand recognition of in-house series and movie franchises owned by competitors like Netflix and Disney+.

So what does it all mean for the James Bond and Rocky franchises, among other MGM properties?

Recommended Videos

Unfortunately (for Amazon Prime Video subscribers, that is), this doesn’t mean we should expect to see Agent 007’s future adventures debut on Amazon anytime soon. Given the complicated nature of most movie deals, the outlook for many of MGM’s most prominent movie and TV brands will likely differ from one franchise to the next.

Here’s what we know so far about how some of MGM’s biggest franchises might be affected by the Amazon deal.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

James Bond

Although MGM produced nearly all of the James Bond movies, it doesn’t actually control the distribution side of the films — as in, when and how the film’s are released. That particular, extremely important aspect of the franchise is controlled by Eon Productions, and the studio was quick to release a statement reaffirming its commitment to give all future James Bond movies — including this October’s No Time To Die — a theatrical debut.

“We are committed to continuing to make James Bond films for the worldwide theatrical audience,” said Eon’s Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson in a statement released shortly after the Amazon deal was announced.

So, although James Bond fans shouldn’t expect to see the secret agent’s adventures premiere on Amazon Prime Video, there’s a good chance future installments of the franchise will call the streaming service home. Amazon will also play a big role — through MGM, of course — in shaping the next iteration of the franchise after current star Daniel Craig’s departure, which could entail the sort of negotiation with new partner Eon that results in a favorable decision for 007 fans with an Amazon subscription. As for the older James Bond films, the streaming rights to those titles remain in murky waters — but one should never underestimate the power of Amazon’s leverage in the world of streaming media.

Rocky

The situation is a bit more clear with the Rocky franchise, which MGM has either produced, distributed, or served both roles on for nearly every installment, including the current, rebooted Creed films starring Michael B. Jordan. Creed III is currently in development, and with MGM the primary studio handling the film, Amazon will likely be able to chart its own course with that particular franchise’s future.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

The Handmaid’s Tale

The award-winning dystopian series has been a huge hit for Hulu, but MGM Television is both the producer and distributor for the series, which was recently renewed for a fifth season. MGM’s deal with Hulu for The Handmaid’s Tale was made before Amazon entered the picture, so it’s unknown how certain the series’ future is with Disney-owned Hulu. Given how popular The Handmaid’s Tale is right now (even in its fourth season), and Hulu’s status as a key competitor to Amazon Prime Video, Amazon probably has some big decisions to make about what to do with the show.

Stargate

An under-the-radar hit for MGM, the Stargate franchise spanned multiple movies and 18 seasons of TV across multiple spinoff series, as well as comic books, video games, and other tie-in projects. That makes it a valuable asset for Amazon, and the fact that MGM retained control of the sci-fi saga’s future bodes well for its future. Amazon has had decent luck with sci-fi stories, so there’s a good chance that a reboot or revival of some sort is in the future for the streaming service.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

The Hobbit

Although MGM was one of several producers on The Hobbit films, distribution of the movies was handled by Warner Bros. Pictures, making it unlikely that we’ll see Amazon become the franchise’s new home. However, Amazon already has its own Lord of the Rings prequel series in the works, so anything is possible when it comes to the future of Middle-earth on the screen.

Legally Blonde

It might not be as high-profile as some of the other franchises on this list, but the Legally Blonde films were successful enough to spawn two theatrical releases, one made-for-TV movie, an upcoming third film, and even a stage musical. Reese Witherspoon is already attached to star in Legally Blonde 3, and if that film proves to be a hit, MGM’s ownership of the franchise puts Amazon in the driver’s seat going forward. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see that film debut on Amazon Prime Video, either, given the early stage it’s at now and its streaming-friendly audience.

Orion Pictures / Orion Pictures

Other franchises

Among the other franchises owned (or partly owned) by MGM that could find themselves rebooted, revived, or otherwise revisited by Amazon once the dust settles on this deal are the Robocop films and TV series, The Pink Panther series, and the Barbershop movies and spinoffs, among other properties. Whether those franchises end up with new, Amazon-produced installments or are simply given a new home in the Amazon Prime Video library remains to be seen.

As with any big entertainment industry deals, the effects of Amazon’s purchase of the MGM library could take a while to surface, as studios often make long-term streaming deals that take years to expire. Amazon will almost certainly need to be patient in handling some of its bigger MGM properties, as the streaming rights to many of those franchises could already be owned by various companies — including direct competitors, in some cases.

Streaming is here to stay, though, and so is Amazon.

Editors' Recommendations

A veteran journalist with more than two decades of experience covering local and national news, arts and entertainment, and…
Where to watch the 2024 Kentucky Derby live stream

The first Saturday in May belongs to horse racing. All eyes will be on Churchill Downs for the 2024 Kentucky Derby. This year's edition is the 150th Running of the Kentucky Derby. "The Run for the Roses" is the first leg of the Triple Crown, and will be followed by the Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes.

Fierceness opened as the morning line favorite at 5-2. On the back of Fierceness will be jockey John R. Velazquez, a three-time Kentucky Derby winner. Fierceness is trained by Todd Pletcher, who won the Kentucky Derby in 2010 and 2017. Fierceness is looking to become the first horse starting from Post 17 to win.
Watch the 2024 Kentucky Derby live stream on NBC
https://twitter.com/KentuckyDerby/status/1785365480783405379

Read more
How to watch the WWE Backlash France 2024 live stream

A WWE Premium Live Event (PLE) is heading to Lyon Metropolis for the first time for WWE Backlash France 2024. Since the formation of TKO in September 2023, WWE has prioritized global expansion. In 2024, Backlash France is the second PLE to be held outside the U.S., and it won't be the last. Five of the next six WWE PLEs will take place outside the U.S.

Heading into Backlash, WWE is entering the "American Nightmare Era." After finishing his story at WrestleMania 40, Cody Rhodes is now the Undisputed WWE Champion. A different era means a new crop of challengers for Rhodes. First up is AJ Styles, a former two-time WWE champion. Rhodes must bring his A-game if he wants to walk out of France as champion.

Read more
If you have to watch one Star Wars movie this May the 4th, stream this one

Every Star Wars fan has a favorite movie, and many Star Wars fans also hate at least one of the entries in one of their favorite franchises. That can make the exercise of choosing the perfect Star Wars movie to watch on May the 4th difficult. For all of the love this fan base has shown to the franchise over the years, it's also a fan base that has strong opinions about why one movie or another is worthy of your time.

This May 4, though, I'd recommend watching Star Wars: The Last Jedi. Almost undoubtedly the most controversial entry in the saga, one that makes some people furious and others jump for joy, The Last Jedi is worthy of your attention, whether you like what it's doing or not. Here are three reasons you should check it out:
Luke gets to live the Jedi legend
Star Wars: The Last Jedi Trailer (Official)

Read more