Amid the stunning development regarding Amazon's acquisition of the James Bond franchise, one of the most notable 007s in history shares his opinion on the news. The most recent James Bond actor, Daniel Craig, hails the outgoing producers of the spy film series, insisting his respect for them is "undiminished."

Via Variety, Craig released a statement addressing Amazon MGM's takeover of the James Bond franchise, acquiring the rights from long-time producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson. Craig had nothing but kind words for Broccoli and Wilson after they ceded control to Amazon, wishing them the best on their next ventures and sharing his admiration for them after working with them on five James Bond entries. “,” Craig said. “I wish Michael a long, relaxing (and well deserved) retirement and whatever ventures Barbara goes on to do, I know they will be spectacular, and I hope I can be part of them.”

In the historic agreement between Broccoli/Wilson and Amazon MGM, all parties agreed to form a joint venture to house the James Bond intellectual property rights. Though Broccoli and Wilson remain co-owners of the franchise, Amazon will have full creative control of future James Bond projects. Amazon previously acquired distribution rights for James Bond films, but only had 50% ownership and limited artistic say before the newly-announced deal.

Wilson, who has written several James Bond movies, announced his retirement from Hollywood with the Amazon deal, with the 87-year-old saying in a statement that he is "stepping back from producing the James Bond films to focus on art and charitable projects.” Meanwhile, Broccoli confirmed she will focus on other projects, saying she had the honor of working closely with four of the tremendously talented actors who have played 007 and thousands of wonderful artists within the industry.”

Attention now shifts to who Amazon will pick to succeed Craig as the new 007, with CEO Jeff Bezos already gauging fan suggestions. After initially rejecting an offer to play Bond, Craig enjoyed a fruitful five-film run as the beloved agent, which included features in Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace, Skyfall, Spectre and No Time to Die. Following his departure in 2021, there's been no development update about the next sequel, James Bond 26.

Broccoli and Wilson had been deliberating who the right fit would be to portray Bond, with Wilson reportedly open to the lead being a woman, a man of color or gay, while Broccoli believed the lead should be a British man. The duo also reportedly preferred someone in their 30s being the new lead. Several names have been posited to become the new 007, including Henry Cavill, who previously auditioned for Casino Royale, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, who was previously reported to be the next Bond, and Kingsley Ben-Adir, who Barbie director Greta Gerwig suggested could be the first Black Bond.

Craig has since starred in another spy franchise, portraying Detective Benoit Blanc in the Knives Out film series. He is set to return for the upcoming Knives Out threequel, Wake Up Dead Man, which debuts on Netflix later this year and also stars Josh Brolin, Mila Kunis, Kerry Washington and Jeremy Renner.

Source: Variety