After a spectacular run of profitable 007 movies, this year's SPECTRE could mark the end of the distribution relationship between MGM and Sony Pictures. According to Variety, the multi-picture deal between the two studios that has seen the release of the rebooted Daniel Craig films including CASINO ROYALE, QUANTUM OF SOLACE, and SKYFALL will expire after the release of SPECTRE. While the high grosses from the three films and the expected success of the fourth mean this is a lucrative deal for Sony, MGM would be remiss if they didn't explore other studios willing to broker a more profitable deal.
According to the story, MGM chief Gary Barber and Warner Bros. CEO Kevin Tsujihara have a strong relationship and could see them partner on the new Bond contract. Warner Bros has distributed several recent MGM films such as Peter Jackson's THE HOBBIT, HOT PURSUIT, and the ROCKY spin-off CREED. It is not a sure thing as every studio will be vying for the deal, including Sony.
It could count against Sony that SPECTRE was embroiled in the hacked email scandal last year that revealed several issues between the producers of the film and Sony's then head Amy Pascal. While it is a new day at the studio, those emails could lead to bad blood in the renegotiaton of a new deal with MGM. Whether that matters or not, a new deal concerning Bond's future will mean good news for movie fans as it will cement more 007 pictures going into the future.
SPECTRE is slated for release on November 6th.
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