Amazon MGM Studios has made a significant move by acquiring a $20 million stake in the James Bond franchise from EON Productions. This transaction was made public through EON’s recent earnings report filed in the UK.
Details of the Acquisition
According to the report, the agreement was finalized on February 20, 2025. It included not only the Bond franchise but also associated assets and the subsidiary companies, B24 Limited and B25 Limited.
Financial Insights
This $20 million acquisition is notably lower than the $1 billion figure initially speculated when the Bond deal was first announced. The specific structure of their joint venture remains unclear and might involve Amazon stock options.
B24 Limited and B25 Limited were the entities through which EON produced the films “Spectre” and “No Time To Die.” Interestingly, the completion of the transaction remained undisclosed for over a month.
EON Productions’ Financial Performance
EON Productions reported a revenue of £12.1 million (approximately $16.3 million) for the previous year, reflecting a decrease from £10 million compared to 2023. This is a stark contrast to £235 million in sales in 2021, the year they released “No Time to Die,” marking Daniel Craig’s final appearance as Bond.
Profit and Future Projects
The company’s pre-tax profit for 2024 was £1.5 million, recovering from a loss of £1.2 million in the previous year. Apart from the Bond franchise, EON is also working on a reimagining of the family classic “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” in collaboration with Amazon MGM Studios.
Matthew Warchus is set to direct this new version, with Enda Walsh handling the script. Meanwhile, Amazon MGM Studios is advancing its plans for a new Bond film.
Future of the Bond Franchise
Renowned director Denis Villeneuve, known for “Dune,” will helm the upcoming Bond project. Producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman are also involved. Villeneuve aims to find a fresh British actor to portray the legendary secret agent starting next year.
- Deal Amount: $20 million
- Completion Date: February 20, 2025
- EON Revenue: £12.1 million in 2024
- Profit: £1.5 million in 2024
- Previous Year’s Loss: £1.2 million
The future looks promising for both Amazon MGM Studios and EON Productions as they navigate this new chapter in the iconic Bond franchise.
