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]