Amazon’s acquisition of MGM in 2022 marked a significant shift in the entertainment industry, and recent developments indicate that this integration is leading to substantial changes within Amazon MGM Studios.
On March 27, 2025, Jennifer Salke, the head of Amazon MGM Studios, announced her departure to establish a new production entity. Salke, who joined Amazon in 2018 after serving as president of NBC Entertainment, played a pivotal role in developing successful projects such as “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.” Her exit aligns with Amazon’s strategy to streamline decision-making processes within the studio. Following her departure, Courtenay Valenti (head of film) and Vernon Sanders (head of TV) will report directly to Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios. Salke has also secured a first-look deal with Amazon MGM Studios for her new venture.
In a move that underscores Amazon’s commitment to revitalizing its newly acquired assets, the company has taken creative control of the James Bond franchise. Longtime producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, who have overseen the series for over six decades, have ceded their creative control to Amazon MGM Studios. This transition marks a significant change in the stewardship of the iconic spy series.
To spearhead the next chapter of James Bond, Amazon has appointed seasoned Hollywood producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman. Pascal is renowned for her work on Sony’s “Spider-Man” franchise, while Heyman has been instrumental in producing the “Harry Potter” and “Paddington” films. Their combined expertise is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the Bond series, with discussions already underway regarding the casting of a new actor for the titular role.
These developments reflect Amazon’s broader strategy to integrate MGM’s rich content library into its ecosystem, enhancing its competitive edge in the streaming market. By taking creative control of flagship franchises like James Bond and restructuring its studio leadership, Amazon aims to streamline operations and foster innovation in content creation.
However, these changes also raise questions about the future direction of beloved franchises and the balance between honoring legacy content and pursuing new creative visions. Fans and industry observers will be keenly watching how Amazon navigates these challenges in the evolving entertainment landscape.
