While it might not seem like it, the James Bond franchise has had a rather turbulent history. For most movie-goers, nothing appears to be wrong: every few years, another super-spy thriller-action movie hits theaters, everyone watches it and everything's fine.

Behind the scenes, however, it's been completely different story: while everyone was in theaters watching James Bond do his thing, the franchise itself was in danger of being torn apart.

For years, the franchise's distribution rights were entrenched in a long, painful legal battle. Different production companies all claimed to own the rights to the character, with neither side refusing to back down even an inch. Thankfully, the legal troubles have died down considerably over the past several years — but for a long time, it looked like James Bond would be forever bogged down in convoluted arguments over who owned the rights to what.

It looks like it could start up all over again: according to Variety, Sony's deal with MGM ends with Spectre, meaning that the future of the James Bond license is up in the air once again.

For those unaware, ever since Daniel Craig stepped into the shoes of 007, the distribution rights have been held by two companies: Sony Pictures Entertainment and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace and Skyfall were all produced as a part of this collaboration — unfortunately, said collaboration might not last much longer.

In an interview with Variety, Sony Pictures Entertainment chairman Tom Rothman confirmed that the deal was coming to an end: after Spectre launches later this year, the deal between Sony and MGM is up:

"The reality is that Sony's had a fantastic run with the Bonds ... Sure we're going to compete for [the rights to the films], but let's be honest, so is everybody in the business," Rothman said. 

It's impossible to tell where the 007 franchise will land, though rumors suggest that Warner Bros. is chomping at the bit. With its DC Cinematic Universe getting set to launch next year, it's not all that surprising that Warner Bros. would want yet another mega-franchise under its belt; though, as Rothman said, it's likely that just about every production company in the business is looking to get its hands on 007.

At this point, there's no telling what the future holds for James Bond — the only thing fans can do now is wait for Spectre's Nov. 6 release date.

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