Film fans are still feeling the seismic shift that is Amazon-MGM Studios’ James Bond creative deal. As the corporate entity secured total control over the legacy franchise from its traditional home, talk about the exact price tag for those rights became a buzzworthy subject. In previous reports, the figure of $1 billion was thrown around; but a recent financial filing from EON Productions has apparently revealed a much lower figure.

James Bond’s Actual Cinematic Price Tag

Deadline reports that the deal, which saw longtime producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson ceding creative control in the family business, wasn’t nearly that large. Revealing the details from EON’s 2025 earnings report, the following blurb provides those key details: 

On 20 February 2025, the company entered into an agreement for the sale of its interest in the Bond franchise, all associated assets as well as its subsidiary companies, B24 Limited and B25 Limited. The total consideration for the sale amounted to $20 million (USD).

That is a huge difference in price tags. Imagine thinking your arch nemesis has bought a hollowed out volcano lair, but it was just a diamond enhanced space satellite. I’ve actually seen some fellow 007 fans shocked by this figure, which is 50 times less than that $1 billion evaluation. However, the report cited above mentions a key factor that could be behind this discrepancy – and I think the actual price tag could be even better news.

A slightly obscured Daniel Craig draws his gun in the opening gun barrel for No Time To Die.

Amazon’s 007 Deal May Have Included Some Added Value

The reporting cited above states that “the structure of the joint venture was unknown and could have included Amazon stock options.” At the time of writing, Amazon stock is sitting at $224.68 a share. So a healthy chunk of the company’s worth could have been the confounding variable in this James Bond shakeup. 

007’s cinematic future seems to be taking off at the moment. With Denis Villeneuve directing Bond 26, and Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight writing the picture, the foundation is solid. All that needs to happen is for a James Bond to be cast, which could happen any day now. Based on recent 007 casting rumors, fortune may favor a fresh-faced performer over a brand name. So don’t go placing any bets on Aaron Taylor-Johnson just yet.

Considering the financial situation behind Amazon-MGM Studios’ creative control deal isn’t massive as we thought, the pressure may have eased. I wouldn’t worry too much, as James Bond’s theatrical return window has been speculated to be set for 2028. As such, there’s still some time for odds-makers to adjust their tables, and for tuxedoes to go to the cleaners. For now, fans will have to enjoy the legacy catalog of 00-adventure. All 25 Bond adventures are currently streaming on Prime Video.