Past Tense
13th November 2024
Broccoli and Wilson reflect on their producing partnership ahead of Thalberg award
By MI6 Staff
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Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson will follow in Cubby's footsteps tomorrow when they are awarded the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award - an honourary Oscar from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (Roger Moore presented Cubby with his in 1982).
Speaking to the Associated Press on the eve of their ceremony, Broccoli and Wilson reflected on their producing partnership that began in 1995 when Cubby handed over the keys to the franchise. What is striking from the interview is that Wilson talks in the past tense, confirming suspicions that he has stepped down from day to day activities and will not be producing the next era of James Bond, leaving that to his half-sister.
Wilson has operated as the business affairs person and Broccoli as more of a creative and practical producer. Their different skills and interests were compatible. “I think it worked out pretty well,” Wilson said. “We were a good team.”
Back in 2021, at the 'No Time To Die' world premiere, Barbara thanked Michael for their work together over the years, leading those in attendance to believe it was to be his last film as producer.
Asked the inevitable question about who will take over from Daniel Craig and launch a new chapter in the 007 saga, Broccoli said: “It’s a big decision."
“Every time we cast a new actor, the films change. It’s the excitement of a new Bond, a new direction,” Wilson said. “Every one of these people who took on the role offered something new and different.”
Speaking to the uncertainty in the film business currently, especially the viability of theatrical releases, Broccoli committed that Bond will stay on the big screen and added: "People are playing it very safe. I think in times of crisis like this, you’ve got to be brave. It’s certainly a new era in the movie business, so we’re trying to figure it out.”
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