Barbara Broccoli has been described as "upset" but "resigned" to Amazon's takeover of the James Bond franchise

The insider added: "You could tell she was upset though. "She sighed, said what she had to say about the impending announcement, and then we chatted about other stuff."

Another source told the publication the deal might not have happened if Bond bosses had found the perfect actor to take over from Daniel Craig, who stepped down from playing the superspy following the release of 2021's 'No Time to Die'.

They said: "Perhaps, I do think that it's possible that if God had sent us a totally no-brainer Bond in the last couple of years, then it might be a different situation."

A third source explained the producers had taken meetings with several actors about the role - with reports suggesting 'Godzilla' star Aaron Taylor-Johnson was among them - but there was never a clear "frontrunner" for the coveted part.

They said: "[The meetings were] just as kind of an ongoing, keeping your eye out on who's around, but keeping in touch.

"But I definitely don't think that there was any frontrunner. They wanted to know what they wanted to do next before they thought of the right person for it.

"It's sort of chicken and egg, isn't it? And if there was a blindingly obvious new guy, it might be a different situation."

Wilson and Broccoli - whose father was late Bond producer Albert R. 'Cubby' Broccoli - made the shock announcement on Thursday (20.02.25) revealing they are stepping back from the film series, but have formed a new joint venture with the studio to house James Bond's intellectual property rights, with all three parties remaining co-owners of the franchise.

Michael said in a statement: "With my 007 career spanning nearly 60 incredible years, I am stepping back from producing the James Bond films to focus on art and charitable projects. "Therefore, Barbara and I agree, it is time for our trusted partner, Amazon MGM Studios, to lead James Bond into the future".

Barbara added: "My life has been dedicated to maintaining and building upon the extraordinary legacy that was handed to Michael and me by our father, producer Cubby Broccoli.

"I have had the honour of working closely with four of the tremendously talented actors who have played 007 and thousands of wonderful artists within the industry.

"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."

Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, said: "Since his theatrical introduction over 60 years ago, James Bond has been one of the most iconic characters in filmed entertainment.

"We are grateful to the late Albert R. Broccoli and Harry Saltzman for bringing James Bond to movie theatres around the world, and to Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli for their unyielding dedication and their role in continuing the legacy of the franchise that is cherished by legions of fans worldwide.

"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."

Amazon acquired MGM in 2022, and as well as taking over an extensive catalogue of more than 4,000 films and 17,000 TV shows, they also took the rights to distribute all of the James Bond movies.