A major shakeup is coming to the world of James Bond.

Amazon MGM Studios is set to take creative control of the Bond franchise as part of an agreement with longtime producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli.

In a statement on Thursday, Wilson, 83, said he will step back from producing the Bond movies to “focus on art and charitable projects,” while Broccoli, 64, will focus on “other projects” going forward. Amazon MGM Studios, Wilson and Broccoli will remain co-owners of the franchise.

“Barbara and I agree, it is time for our trusted partner, Amazon MGM Studios, to lead James Bond into the future,” Wilson said.

Just after news of the deal was announced, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos asked followers on X, “Who’d you pick as the next Bond?”

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Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, on Thursday thanked Wilson and Broccoli “for their unyielding dedication and their role in continuing the legacy of the franchise that is cherished by legions of fans worldwide,” adding, “We are honoured to continue this treasured heritage, and look forward to ushering in the next phase of the legendary 007 for audiences around the world.”

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The news marked the end of an era for Bond, a franchise that Broccoli and her half-brother Wilson have controlled since 1995. The film series began with 1962’s “Dr. No” under the stewardship of Albert R. Broccoli, Barbara’s father, and Harry Saltzman.

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Amazon gained the rights to distribute the Bond films after acquiring MGM in 2022, the year after Daniel Craig’s final outing as 007 in “No Time to Die,” though Wilson and Broccoli retained creative control.

Thursday’s deal could open the door for Amazon to expand Bond into new areas, such as spinoff films and streaming shows. The company previously released “007: Road to a Million,” a reality competition show based on the world of Bond, in 2023.

Amazon will also be taking creative control at a key moment for Bond as fans await an announcement about who will succeed Craig in the role. No casting decisions have been announced, nor have producers revealed when the next Bond movie will be released.

Contributing: Aditya Soni and Zaheer Kachwala, Reuters