Amazon takes over James Bond franchise, Beyoncé and Blu Ivy Carter win at NAACP Image Awards, and more of today’s top stories
Gold Derby’s top news stories for Feb. 20, 2025.
Amazon MGM Studios takes over creative control of James Bond franchise
Amazon MGM Studios is taking over the James Bond movie franchise. Longtime producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli will step aside while remaining co-owners of the franchise.
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“Amazon MGM Studios, Michael G. Wilson, and Barbara Broccoli today announced that they have formed a new joint venture to house the James Bond intellectual property rights, and those parties will remain co-owners of the franchise,” the studio stated in a press release. “Under the terms of the new venture, Amazon MGM Studios will gain creative control of the James Bond franchise following closing of the transaction.”
“Since his theatrical introduction over 60 years ago, James Bond has been one of the most iconic characters in filmed entertainment,” said Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios. “We are grateful to the late Albert R. Broccoli and Harry Saltzman for bringing James Bond to movie theatres around the world, and to Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli for their unyielding dedication and their role in continuing the legacy of the franchise that is cherished by legions of fans worldwide. 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.”
Said Wilson: “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. Therefore, Barbara and I agree, it is time for our trusted partner, Amazon MGM Studios, to lead James Bond into the future.”
Added Broccoli: “My life has been dedicated to maintaining and building upon the extraordinary legacy that was handed to Michael and me by our father, producer Cubby Broccoli. I have had the honour of working closely with four of the tremendously talented actors who have played 007 and thousands of wonderful artists within the industry. With the conclusion of No Time to Die and Michael retiring from the films, I feel it is time to focus on my other projects.”
Hulu renews hit drama Paradise for second season
Hulu has renewed its hit original drama series Paradise for a second season — and its Emmy-winning star and executive producer, Sterling K. Brown, helped share the exciting news on Instagram (see below). Following the Season 1 finale on Hulu on March 4th, Paradise will air a full first-season run on ABC beginning Monday, April 7 at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.
The political thriller is set in a serene community inhabited by some of the world’s most prominent individuals. But this tranquility explodes when a shocking murder occurs, and a high-stakes investigation unfolds. Sterling K. Brown, James Marsden, Julianne Nicholson, Sarah Shahi, Nicole Brydon Bloom, Aliyah Mastin, and Percy Daggs IV star in the debut season.
Prime Video reveals first-look images and premiere date for The Bondsman starring Kevin Bacon
Today, Prime Video released first-look images from the highly anticipated new series from Blumhouse Television starring Kevin Bacon, The Bondsman. All eight episodes will be available on April 3, 2025, exclusively on Prime Video.
Photo credit: Courtesy of Prime
Bacon stars as Hub Halloran, a murdered bounty hunter who’s back from the dead after being resurrected by the Devil to trap and send back demons that have escaped from the prison of Hell. By chasing down those demons with the help and hindrance of his estranged family, Hub learns how his own sins got his soul condemned — which pushes him to seek a second chance at life, love, and country music.
The series also stars Jennifer Nettles (The Righteous Gemstones, The Exorcist), Damon Herriman (Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Justified), Beth Grant (No Country for Old Men, Donnie Darko), Maxwell Jenkins (Arcadian, Lost in Space), and Jolene Purdy (The White Lotus, Orange Is the New Black).
Peacock releases official trailer for limited series Long Bright River starring Amanda Seyfried
Long Bright River is a suspense thriller series that tells the story of Mickey (Amanda Seyfried), a police officer who patrols a Philadelphia neighborhood hard-hit by the opioid crisis. When a series of murders begins in the neighborhood, Mickey realizes that her personal history might be related to the case. See the trailer below.
Owen Wilson golf comedy, Stick, sets Apple TV+ premiere date
Apple TV+ today revealed a first-look at Stick, a new golf comedy series starring and executive produced by Owen Wilson and created by Jason Keller. The 10-episode season will make its global debut on Apple TV+ with three episodes on Wednesday, June 4, followed by one new episode every Wednesday, through July 23.
Photo credit: Apple TV+
In Stick, Wilson stars as Pryce Cahill an over-the-hill, ex-pro golfer whose career was derailed prematurely 20 years ago. After the collapse of his marriage and getting fired from his job at an Indiana sporting goods store, Pryce hedges his bets, and future, entirely on a troubled 17-year-old golf phenom named Santi (Peter Dager). Stick is described as “a heartfelt, feel-good comedy about a found family and their relationships set within the world of golf as it has never been shown before.”
Prime Video reveals first-look images and premiere date for #1 Happy Family USA
Today, Prime Video revealed the first-look images and premiere date for the highly anticipated adult-animated series, #1 Happy Family USA. All eight episodes will premiere in more than 240 countries and territories April 17 exclusively on Prime Video. From Amazon MGM Studios, A24, and Cairo Cowboy, #1 Happy Family USA is a provocative and comedic tale on the Muslim-American experience, co-created by Ramy Youssef and Pam Brady.
Photo credit: Courtesy of Prime
The series follows the maniacally upbeat Husseins – the most patriotic, most peaceful, and most definitely-not-suspicious Muslim family in post-9/11 “Amreeka.” With satire and absurdity, it redefines finding humor in hardship as they navigate the early 2000s under the watchful eyes of their terrified neighbors – starring Ramy Youssef, Alia Shawkat, Mandy Moore, Chris Redd, Salma Hindy, Randa Jarrar, Akaash Singh and Whitmer Thomas.
NAACP Image Awards announces second round of non-televised winners: Beyoncé, Blu Ivy Carter, and more
Photo credit: Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney
The NAACP Image Awards concluded their two-night pre-awards show on Wednesday, announcing the second round of winners in the non-televised award categories. Big winners include Beyoncé for Outstanding Female Artist and Outstanding Album (Cowboy Carter) and her daughter, Blu Ivy Carter, for Best Character Voice-Over Character Performance (Mufasa: The Lion King). The virtual event aired exclusively on the NAACP Image Awards YouTube channel, inviting fans to experience two nights of culture, comedy, and celebrating Black achievement and excellence. The 56th NAACP Image Awards will premiere LIVE on Saturday, February 22nd at 8:00 PM ET/PT on BET and CBS.
Here’s the full list of winners from Wednesday’s pre-awards show:
Outstanding Female Artist: Beyoncé
Outstanding Male Artist: Chris Brown
Outstanding New Artist: Doechii
Outstanding International Song; “Hmmm,” Chris Brown feat. Davido
Outstanding Jazz Album: Portrait, Samara Joy
Outstanding Gospel/Christian Song: “Working for Me”, Tamela Mann
Outstanding Gospel/Christian Album: Live Breathe Fight, Tamela Mann
Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (Traditional): Adam Blackstone & Fantasia, “Summertime”
Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (Contemporary): Wizkid feat. Brent Faiyaz, “Piece of My Heart”
Outstanding Original Score for Television/Film: Star Wars: The Acolyte (Original Soundtrack)
Outstanding Song, Hip-Hop/Rap Song: “Not Like Us”, Kendrick Lamar
Outstanding Album: Cowboy Carter, Beyoncé
Outstanding Podcast, Limited Series/Short Form: Stranded
Outstanding Podcast, News and Information: Native Land Pod
Outstanding Podcast, Lifestyle/Self-Help: We Don’t Always Agree With Ryan & Sterling
Outstanding Costume Design (Television or Motion Picture): Wicked, Paul Tazewell
Outstanding Hair Styling (Television or Motion Picture): Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist, Lawrence Davis
Outstanding Make-up (Television or Motion Picture): Shirley, Debi Young
Outstanding Stunt Ensemble: Rebel Ridge, Keith Woulard, Nico Woulard
Outstanding International Motion Picture: Emilia Pérez
Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance (Motion Picture): Blue Ivy Carter, Mufasa: The Lion King
Outstanding Directing in a Documentary (Television or Motion Picture): Dawn Porter, Luther: Never Too Much
Outstanding Cinematography in a Motion Picture: Jomo Fray, Nickel Boys
Outstanding Breakthrough Creative (Motion Picture): Malcolm Washington, The Piano Lesson
Outstanding Breakthrough Performance in a Motion Picture: Ebony Obsidian, The Six Triple Eight
Outstanding Ensemble Cast in a Motion Picture: The Six Triple Eight
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