James Bond Will Return...After New, Indefinite Delay

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James Bond producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli had a lot of goodwill and momentum coming out of the 2006 franchise reboot Casino Royale; since then, however, there's been nothing but trouble. Roger Michell was originally in negotiations to direct Quantum of Solace, then dropped out (Marc Forster eventually replaced him), while writer Paul Haggis rushed to finish his script before the WGA strike. The resulting film was coolly received. Now, the make-or-break follow-up has run into an even bigger obstacle.

After rumors that turmoil at MGM might affect the Sam Mendes-helmed 23rd Bond film, Wilson and Broccoli released a statement today confirming the trouble:

"Due to the continuing uncertainty surrounding the future of MGM and the failure to close a sale of the studio, we have suspended development on 'Bond 23' indefinitely. We do not know when development will resume and do not have a date for the release of 'Bond 23.'"

Producers had originally hoped that the film would make a winter 2011 release date, but with development now suspended -- and the possibly that Mendes might move on to another project in the interim -- a 2012 release or even later is looking far more likely. That would potentially be the longest period without a new Bond film since the interim between the Timothy Dalton and Pierce Brosnan eras. Pour a martini on the ground in solemn tribute.

Bond 23 Delayed Indefinitely [Coming Soon]



Comments

  • SunnydaZe says:

    The names Bond, James--- Hold on, I get back to you. (leaves room)

  • marty says:

    This is eerily reminiscent of the Dalton years.
    New Bond reinvigorates the franchise; followup 2nd film with new Bond is less successful (and, coincidentally, both these 2nd films took place in Latin America....) Before 3rd film can get off the ground, there are problems with the studio or production house and filming is indefinitely delayed. (In Dalton's case, there was a dispute over who had the rights to James Bond.)
    Dalton wasn't asked back, but he didn't want to go back, either. Will Craig end up the same way? After all, Quantum of Solace didn't exactly set the world on fire.

  • Brian says:

    Quantum of Solace made over $586 million worldwide, including $168 million in the US. I would say that $586 million equals setting the world on fire. It also scored 63% on Rotten Tomatoes, which hardly qualifies as being "coolly received". Nice to know that Marty and Kyle Buchanan are equally inept at doing basic research. Marty at least has an excuse, he isn't being paid to write for this site.
    Bad news for Bond fans, but at least the franchise is a big enough money maker to guarantee it's return.

  • MI5 says:

    For agents in waiting, there's an app for that --spy calc.

  • Boo Hearne Carroll says:

    Daniel Craig does not need the James Bond franchise. His body of work through the years speaks for itself. He could drop out tomorrow and never do another Bond film and do quite well. My fear is that once they are up and running they are going to quickly throw it all together and someone is going to get seriously injured due to carelessness. I've posted this before. If he was a desperate, mediocre actor with no future, I'd say go for it. This just isn't the case with Daniel Craig. What good is being James Bond if you are badly injured and unable to work for months? He should really think about continuing with the franchise. Just my opinion.

  • my blog says:

    But, it doesn't matter how well you are writing, articles still have a certain quantity of time. If you're building new fantasy worlds, spend time within the worlds of other writers.