Roger Michell

Following the recent insider report that Martin Campbell won’t return to direct Daniel Craig’s second outing as James Bond, today’s Hollywood Reporter says that "U.K.-based helmer Roger Michell is in negotiations to direct the follow-up to Casino Royale which has a working title of Bond 22".

According to the trade paper, Neil Purvis and Robert Wade, who penned the last three James Bond movies, are not going to return for Bond 22 either. Instead, suggests the "Hollywood Reporter", "sources say the film is based on an original idea from Bond producer Michael Wilson." This would be the first writing involvement of Wilson since 1989’s License To Kill. Together with Richard Maibaum, Michael Wilson wrote all of the 1980s Bond movies, starting with For Your Eyes Only in 1981.

The news of Eon Productions looking for a new writer to adapt Wilson’s ideas, is contrary to former statements by the producers. At the opening press conference for Casino Royale, Wilson was quoted to have said that “Purvis and Wade, who wrote the script are also starting on the next Bond script, so all this is going forward”.

Michell and Craig are no strangers, having teamed on the 2004 drama Enduring Love. Michell’s helming credits also include the Ben Affleck-Samuel L. Jackson vehicle Changing Lanes and the Julia Roberts - Hugh Grant romantic comedy hit Notting Hill. He has first been rumoured to direct Bond 22 in May 2006.

Discuss this news in this thread on the CBn Forums, the largest James Bond 007 forum on the Internet. Thanks to CBn forum member ‘Stax’ for the tip-off.