An American takeover of the most famous film franchise will see the rights to the James Bond movies pass to Amazon MGM Studios.

American studio was formed when Amazon bought Bond’s parent studio, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, in 2021 for $8.45 billion. That gave Amazon the right to distribute all the Bond films but it will now gain the power to press ahead with new instalments.

The films were launched in 1962 by Albert “Cubby” Broccoli, who later handed over the rights to Barbara, his daughter, and Michael Wilson, his stepson. They have now decided it is time to step back.

Ms Broccoli said: “My life has been dedicated to maintaining and building upon the extraordinary legacy that was handed to Michael and me by our father.

“With the conclusion of No Time to Die and Michael retiring from the films, I feel it is time to focus on my other projects.”

Three years since the release of No Time To Die, the last under British control, tongues have begun wagging over how soon the next movie will be in production and – crucially – who will be taking over the key role of 007.

There is talk of the new owners adopting the Star Wars model of extending the Bond franchise into TV mini series and animation.

It was reported that Ms Broccoli was relaxed about the type of character who should play Bond, but less comfortable with a female or “non-British Bond”, though this seemed an odd statement given that Bond has been played by an Australian (George Lazenby) and an Irishman (Pierce Brosnan).

Announcing the deal, Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, said: “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.”