Timothy Dalton, who played James Bond in 1987’s “The Living Daylights” and 1989’s “Licence to Kill,” is weighing in on the blockbuster deal that saw longtime producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli pass complete creative control of the iconic British super spy franchise to Amazon MGM Studios.

In a new interview, Timothy Dalton, who played the infamous agent in “The Living Daylights” (1987) and “License to Kill” (1989), reacted to the news that Amazon MGM Studios gained creative control over the film franchise after producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson announced they would be taking a step back.

Timothy Dalton comments on decision by James Bond producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli to relinquish control of the franchise.

Timothy Dalton, who played 007 in two James Bond films, admitted he's "very, very surprised" that the franchise has been handed over to Amazon.

Amazon MGM Studios took complete creative control of the James Bond franchise from long-time producers and custodians Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli. The news surprised many, including Timothy Dalton,

Dalton's two outings as Bond – 1987's The Living Daylights and 1989's Licence to Kill – are renowned for hewing closer to Ian Fleming's original 007 novels, taking the films down a darker path following the more light-hearted Roger Moore era.

Former 007 Timothy Dalton has been left "shocked" by James Bond producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli's decision to step back from the iconic film series. The 78-year-old actor starred as the suave spy in the movies 'The Living Daylights' and 'Licence to Kill' and has admitted he was gutted to hear the news that the longtime producers have resigned and formed a new joint venture with Amazon MGM to house James Bond's intellectual property rights,