United Kingdom, Feb. 22 -- 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, while remaining co-owners of the franchise.

Speaking to RadioTimes.com, Dalton said: "I was very, very surprised and shocked.

"Barbara is I think a fabulous woman and a wonderful producer, as was her father Cubby Broccoli, who I got on with very well and li...