David Heyman and Amy Pascal have been appointed producers of the next installment in the Bond franchise, Amazon MGM Studios announced today.
David Heyman and Amy Pascal, the prolific blockbuster producers behind the likes of the Harry Potter and Spider-Man franchises respectively, have been tipped to replace the outgoing Broccoli clan in charge of UK film’s most iconic franchise.
The duo will produce through their respective companies, Heyday Films and Pascal Pictures, according to the Hollywood Reporter. Heyman and Heyday also produce the Paddington franchise, which might be less blockbustingly relevant, but is a nice bonus to have on your CV.
“James Bond is one of the most iconic characters in the history of cinema,” Heyman and Pascal said in a joint statement.
“We are humbled to follow in the footsteps of Barbara Broccoli and Michael Wilson who made so many extraordinary films and honored and excited to keep the spirit of Bond very much alive as he embarks on his next adventure.”
It’s difficult to think of a safer pair of hands for Amazon to put its faith in following the shock departure of Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson from the series their family built into a global juggernaut. The pair relinquished creative control to the conglomerate last month, reportedly for as much as $1bn. Heyman is currently the second highest-grossing film producer of all time behind MCU head Kevin Feige, with a total box office gross of almost $14bn. Pascal’s stewardship of Tom Holland’s Spider-Man trilogy grossed more than $3bn, alongside Tom Hardy’s hugely profitable Venom trilogy.
Amazon MGM Studios’ Head of Film, Courtenay Valenti said: “We are approaching every creative decision with James Bond, which Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson have so masterfully steered, with the greatest sense of responsibility.
“Part of an elite group of producers who have developed and managed massive film franchises to box office success and critical acclaim, Amy Pascal and David Heyman are two of the most accomplished, experienced, and respected film producers in our industry. We are honored to be working with them on James Bond’s next chapter and are excited to deliver to global audiences storytelling that upholds the impeccable legacy of this beloved character.”
