Jennifer Salke Steps Down as Head of Amazon MGM Studios

In a significant shift within Amazon’s entertainment division, Jennifer Salke, the head of Amazon MGM Studios, has announced her departure after seven years at the helm. This move comes amid strategic realignments aimed at streamlining operations and enhancing decision-making processes within the company.

Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, communicated the decision in an internal memo, stating, “We’ve decided to flatten our leadership structure a bit and not fill the head of studios role.” This restructuring reflects Amazon’s commitment to agility and efficiency in its entertainment ventures. ([investing.com](https://www.investing.com/news/stock-market-news/amazon-mgm-studios-head-jen-salke-to-depart-internal-memo-says-3953409?utm_source=openai))

Salke, a former NBC Entertainment president, was known at Amazon for championing ambitious projects—such as the globe-trotting spy thriller, “Citadel”—that did not always connect with Amazon Prime Video’s domestic audience. ([investing.com](https://www.investing.com/news/stock-market-news/amazon-mgm-studios-head-jen-salke-to-depart-internal-memo-says-3953409?utm_source=openai))

Under Salke’s leadership, Amazon Studios achieved notable successes, including Emmy Awards for “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” and “Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls.” Her tenure also saw the integration of MGM Studios following Amazon’s $8.5 billion acquisition in 2022. ([forbes.com](https://www.forbes.com/profile/jennifer-salke/?utm_source=openai))

Salke has already signed a first-look deal across both film and TV with Amazon MGM Studios for her new production entity, according to the memo. ([investing.com](https://www.investing.com/news/stock-market-news/amazon-mgm-studios-head-jen-salke-to-depart-internal-memo-says-3953409?utm_source=openai))

Amazon Gains Creative Control of James Bond Franchise

In a parallel development, Amazon MGM Studios has secured creative control over the James Bond franchise, a move that marks a new era for the iconic series. This decision follows the Broccoli family’s relinquishment of control after six decades, signaling a significant shift in the franchise’s direction. ([ft.com](https://www.ft.com/content/fba718ca-fa28-49fd-b902-45b2c169d612?utm_source=openai))

Barbara Broccoli and her half-brother Michael G. Wilson, who have been instrumental in the franchise’s success, will continue to hold co-ownership but have ceded creative control to Amazon. This transition is part of Amazon’s broader strategy to leverage its $8.45 billion acquisition of MGM in 2022, aiming to expand the Bond universe with new projects and narratives. ([ft.com](https://www.ft.com/content/fba718ca-fa28-49fd-b902-45b2c169d612?utm_source=openai))

Industry insiders have speculated about the potential direction of the next Bond film, with reports suggesting a substantial budget of £250 million and a possible release before the end of 2027. The anticipated budget is notably higher than the £220 million spent on “No Time to Die.” ([cinemablend.com](https://www.cinemablend.com/movies/features/amazon-mgm-james-bond-plans-allegedly-ramping-up-shaken-stirred-rumors-release-date-more?utm_source=openai))

Former Sony chairman Amy Pascal and producer David Heyman are reportedly in talks to produce the next James Bond film, referred to as Bond 26. Both producers have notable track records, with Pascal overseeing Sony’s successful Spider-Man franchise and Heyman producing the Harry Potter and Paddington films. ([ft.com](https://www.ft.com/content/fba718ca-fa28-49fd-b902-45b2c169d612?utm_source=openai))

As Amazon moves forward with its plans for the Bond franchise, the industry remains attentive to how these changes will influence the series’ future direction and its reception among audiences worldwide.

Jennifer Salke’s Departure from Amazon MGM Studios

Why did Jennifer Salke step down as head of Amazon MGM Studios?

Jennifer Salke announced her departure to establish a new production entity, as disclosed in an internal memo by Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios. This move aligns with Amazon’s strategy to streamline operations and enhance decision-making processes within the company. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/amazon-mgm-studios-head-jen-salke-depart-internal-memo-says-2025-03-27/?utm_source=openai))

What is the meaning of Jennifer Salke’s departure?

Salke’s departure marks a notable shift in amazon’s entertainment division, reflecting the company’s commitment to agility and efficiency. Under her leadership, Amazon Studios achieved notable successes, including Emmy Awards for “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” and “lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls.” ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/amazon-mgm-studios-head-jen-salke-depart-internal-memo-says-2025-03-27/?utm_source=openai))

What will Jennifer Salke do after leaving Amazon MGM studios?

Following her departure,Jennifer Salke has signed a first-look deal across both film and TV with Amazon MGM Studios for her new production entity,indicating a continued collaboration with Amazon.([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/amazon-mgm-studios-head-jen-salke-depart-internal-memo-says-2025-03-27/?utm_source=openai))

Amazon’s Acquisition of Creative Control Over the James Bond Franchise

What does Amazon’s acquisition of creative control over the James Bond franchise entail?

Amazon MGM Studios has secured creative control over the James Bond franchise through a new joint venture with Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, the longstanding producers of the series. This partnership allows Amazon to lead the future direction of the franchise, including potential new projects and narratives. ([aboutamazon.com](https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/company-news/amazon-mgm-studios-james-bond?utm_source=openai))

How does this affect the Broccoli family’s involvement with the James Bond franchise?

While the Broccoli family retains co-ownership of the franchise,they have ceded creative control to Amazon. Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli will continue to hold co-ownership but will step back from the creative process to focus on other projects. ([aboutamazon.com](https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/company-news/amazon-mgm-studios-james-bond?utm_source=openai))

What are the plans for the next James Bond film?

industry insiders have speculated about the potential direction of the next Bond film, with reports suggesting a substantial budget of £250 million and a possible release before the end of 2027.The anticipated budget is notably higher than the £220 million spent on “No Time to Die.” ([cinemablend.com](https://www.cinemablend.com/movies/features/amazon-mgm-james-bond-plans-allegedly-ramping-up-shaken-stirred-rumors-release-date-more?utm_source=openai))

Who is involved in producing the next James Bond film?

Former Sony chairman amy Pascal and producer David Heyman are reportedly in talks to produce the next James bond film,referred to as Bond 26. Both producers have notable track records, with Pascal overseeing Sony’s successful Spider-Man franchise and Heyman producing the Harry Potter and Paddington films. ([ft.com](https://www.ft.com/content/fba718ca-fa28-49fd-b902-45b2c169d612?utm_source=openai))