In 2006 audiences were treated to CASINO ROYALE starring Daniel Craig (COWBOYS & ALIENS, THE GOLDEN COMPASS) which was a fresh reboot of the Bond franchise and was followed in 2008 by the equally awesome sequel QUANTUM OF SOLACE. Fans of the series understandably assumed Bond would be back in 2010 with the next installment (following the 2 year pattern) but financial issues at MGM put a hold on production indefinitely. It seemed that all was lost and that the franchise was going to stay on indefinite hold, until now.
It has been reported that MGM will get the wheels rolling on the next Bond chapter with the help of Sony. Here are some of the highlights from the official press release:
“Sony Pictures Entertainment will remain in the James Bond business after reaching an agreement with MGM to co-finance and theatrically market and distribute Bond 23 worldwide, it was announced today by MGM Co-Chairmen and Chief Executive Officers Gary Barber and Roger Birnbaum and Sony Pictures Chairman and CEO Michael Lynton and Co-Chairman Amy Pascal. Sony will release the next film in this iconic franchise on November 9, 2012 throughout the world except for select International territories, where MGM will directly oversee distribution.”
“After successfully working on the re-launch of the James Bond franchise with Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace, we could not be more proud or privileged to continue our association with Barbara Broccoli, Michael G. Wilson, Daniel Craig, and the talented teams at EON and MGM,” said Pascal.
This is very exciting news for Bond fans indeed. While no official confirmation has been reported, it looks like director Sam Mendes (AMERICAN BEAUTY, ROAD TO PERDITION) is still attached to direct. Stay tuned for more details as they are sure to emerge quickly.
Bond will be back November 9th 2012.
