MGM is announcing that they will indeed step forward with another James Bond. BOND 23 (temp. titled) is set to go into production in late 2011. Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli of EON Productions, together with Gary Barber and Roger Birnbaum, the Co-Chairmen and CEO of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc., yesterday publicized that the 23rd James Bond movie will have a worldwide release on November 9, 2012.
Daniel Craig will come back as the legendary British secret agent, with Sam Mendes directing a screenplay written by Neal Purvis, Robert Wade and John Logan. Last spring, the production was delayed, leaving us worried about the future of the adored character. Then it was canceled, which sent us into a downward spiral. Then Kate Winslet came with bells, saying it was “still happening,” causing us to question whether or not we can.
The reason for the 007 held up was due to Broccoli and Wilson had been in pre-production on Bond 23 for release in 2011 but then it took almost a year for MGM’s future to make it tidy from the failed auction sale of the studio, then the pre-packaged bankruptcy getting approval, and eventually Spyglass taking over studio filmmaking. After all, MGM made sure to meet its minimum obligations to its two jewels, James Bond and The Hobbit.
Meanwhile star Daniel Craig hang out with various film commitments which he had to finish (The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, Cowboys and Aliens). Mendes at first was brought on as a “consultant” because of the delays, and is now officially the director.Yet another James Bond videogame, which also had been delayed because of the insecurity, recently move ahead. Meanwhile, the latest 007 videogame was for sale this Christmas.
It’s great to hear that the British spy will be heading back to the big screen the same year as other fan movies like The Avengers, The Dark Knight Rises and Spider-Man!
