Bond 23 delayed indefinitely
Eon Productions today announced development of the 23rd James Bond film has been suspended indefinitely.
Bond 23 delayed indefinitely LONDON, April 19, 2010 — 007 producers, Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli of EON Productions, today announced they have suspended development on the next James Bond film previously scheduled for release 2011/2012.
“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,” stated Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli jointly.
EON Productions have produced twenty two James Bond films since 1962. In 1995, Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli took over the 007 franchise from Albert R ‘Cubby’ Broccoli and are responsible for producing some of the most successful James Bond films ever, including CASINO ROYALE and more recently QUANTUM OF SOLACE. The James Bond franchise is the longest running in film history. EON Productions and Danjaq LLC are affiliate companies and control all worldwide merchandising for James Bond.
While no official release date had been announced for Bond 23, producers were understood to be aiming for the film to hit cinemas in 2011. Following this statement, it appears unlikely Bond 23 will be released in 2011 or 2012.
Recent rumours had suggested development of the film was continuing, despite the uncertain situation at MGM. This appears not to be the case.
Eon have made no statement about the ongoing involvement of any of its screenwriters (Neal Purvis, Robert Wade and Peter Morgan), or Sam Mendes, who has been rumoured to direct.
Reuters unsuccessfully attempted to reach MGM for comment.
The future of MGM remains in doubt with the studio struggling under the weight of a $3.7 billion debt. MGM has received a series of underwhelming bids from rival studios after it was put up for sale last November. Variety claims the bids it has received are around half a billion dollars less than the amount being sought by MGM and some of its debt holders. Meanwhile, other debt holders are said to be prolonging the process in an effort to save the studio.
Keep watching CommanderBond.net for more on this story as it breaks.