Ex-James Bond Timothy Dalton is ‘Very Surprised and Shocked’ Amazon Took Control of 007 Franchise: ‘They’ll Be Doing Their Best to Make a Lot of Money’

Timothy Dalton, who played James Bond in 1987’s “The Living Daylights” and 1989’s “Licence to Kill,” is weighing in on the blockbuster deal that saw longtime producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli pass complete creative control of the iconic British super spy franchise to Amazon MGM Studios.

“I was very, very surprised and shocked,” Dalton said of the deal in an interview with Radio Times. “Barbara is I think a fabulous woman and a wonderful producer, as was her father Cubby Broccoli, who I got on with very well and liked a lot. He was a very powerful and strong anchor for the project. Nothing went on that he didn’t want and it’s sad that he’s not with us anymore, that’s all I can say. He was well in charge of the show and that’s not so anymore.”

While Wilson, Broccoli and Amazon MGM will remain co-owners, Amazon now has total control of the IP. Financial details were not disclosed when news broke of the deal on Thursday.

“The movies have taken different courses over the years, but there is something very good about the original and I hope Amazon latch onto that and give us the kind of film that’s brought so much excitement and fun to so many people,” Dalton added. “Anyway, good luck to them, I say. I do wish them all the very, very best. They’ll be doing their best to make a lot of money, so hopefully they will make good movies.”