The deal comes after Amazon bought MGM Studios in 2022 as a part of its media push. The acquisition gave Amazon distribution rights to the 007 franchise but not creative control.

The franchise will no longer be in the hands of longtime producers Barbara Brocolli and  Michael C Wilson, the daughter and stepson of Albert 'Cubby' Broccoli who launched the British spy franchise in 1962. 

The terms of the agreement give Amazon creative control of any new movies.

Fans reacted furiously on social media. On Reddit, one wrote: 'It's clearly the end of the franchise for long-time Bond fans. 

'Amazon will make a lot of mediocre spin-offs and try to saturate the market to get people to stay subscribed to Prime.'

One user in mourning for 007 made his feelings clear: 'RIP James Bond. Amazon will destroy a great franchise, like Disney have destroyed Star Wars.' 

In 2012, Disney acquired Star Wars owner LucasFilm for £3.2billion and have since launched a raft of new origins movies, series, and animated spin-offs.

Fans are still eagerly anticipating who will follow Daniel Craig as the iconic spy after the actor's last film, No Time To Die, hit the big screen in 2021. 

Amazon has not yet decided who the Bond will be or who will direct and write the next film, Deadline reported.

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

'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.' 

Michael Wilson said 'it is time' for Amazon to take creative control over future productions. 

'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,' he explained.

'Therefore, Barbara and I agree, it is time for our trusted partner, Amazon MGM Studios, to lead James Bond into the future.'