Amazon.com Inc.’s MGM Studios will begin licensing its crown-jewel James Bond franchise to chief streaming rival Netflix Inc. starting in January, a tactical shift that prioritizes distribution revenue over platform exclusivity.
“When Amazon acquired MGM, the plan was to continue licensing the library to streaming and television partners around the world,” Chris Ottinger, head of worldwide distribution at Amazon MGM Studios, said in a statement. “This agreement reflects the continued global appetite for premium storytelling.”
The deal, which begins Jan. 15, grants Netflix a three-month window to stream titles including No Time to Die, Skyfall, and Quantum of Solace in the US, France, and Latin America. The pact also includes non-Bond intellectual property such as the Rocky, Creed, and Legally Blonde film series, alongside original Amazon shows like Hunters.
The move underscores a broader industry trend where “Big Tech” media arms are softening walled gardens to monetize aging libraries. While Amazon spent $8.5 billion to acquire MGM in 2022 to bolster its Prime Video service, the cost of maintaining the Bond franchise—coupled with a multi-year gap before the next 007 installment—has made third-party licensing a more attractive balance-sheet strategy.
With the 26th Bond film, to be directed by Denis Villeneuve, not expected until 2028, Amazon is leveraging the catalog to generate cash flow during a production lull. The deal mirrors recent moves by Warner Bros. Discovery Inc. and Disney to license content to Netflix, signaling that the “streaming wars” have entered a phase of pragmatic consolidation and sub-licensing.
Bond films will continue their traditional rotation on Prime Video and MGM+ later in the year, suggesting Amazon is using Netflix’s larger 280-million-plus subscriber base as a marketing funnel for the franchise.
The agreement comes as streaming platforms face increased investor pressure to prove profitability. By offloading library titles to a competitor, Amazon reduces its opportunity cost while ensuring its most valuable IP remains in the cultural zeitgeist.
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