Michael G. Wilson: 'Bond 23' Work To Begin Early Next Year

Quantum of Solace premiered last night to what was no doubt a rousing reception – and promised that “James Bond will return”.

Speaking to Heart 106.2, 007 producer Michael G. Wilson revealed that preliminary work will start on Daniel Craig’s third James Bond film early next year.

Wilson told the station, “Last time when we were in post production on Casino Royale we were already working on Quantum of Solace.”

“This time we haven’t started, but in January we are going to get some writers together and start kicking some ideas around.”

Quantum of Solace‘s script was penned by Paul Haggis, Neal Purvis and Robert Wade, all of whom also worked on Casino Royale (although Quantum received an additional script polish by newcomer Joshua Zetumer). Purvis and Wade previously worked on scripts for The World Is Not Enough (alongside Bruce Feirstein), Die Another Day and the aborted Jinx spin-off film.

Whether any of these writers will return for Bond 23 remains unclear.

Someone who might return, though, is Olga Kurylenko, who plays Camille in Quantum of Solace. Producer Barbara Broccoli told Heart, “I think she’s a spectacular actress and she’s done an amazing job in this movie. She blew us away. We would certainly love to have her back. If it’s not in the next movie, then certainly in the future.”

“He’s got to come back, we’re not going to let him go.” – Barbara Broccoli on Daniel Craig

Daniel Craig, however, isn’t going anywhere: Broccoli told Heart, “Oh, please! Are you kidding? He’s got to come back, we’re not going to let him go. Are you crazy?”

“He is the greatest Bond right now and the people love him,” Wilson reiterated.

Bond 23 has yet to have a release date announced, nor does it have a director attached (Marc Forster has repeatedly stated he will not return). Quantum of Solace was first announced in July 2006, even though work on a script began as early as October 2005.

Last year, it was reported that Sony were eyeing a 2010 release date for the film, while Daniel Craig has been playing down his next outing as the famous spy, stating last week that “there is nothing scheduled” for Bond 23.

Since 1995’s GoldenEye, the Bond films have been released during the winter. However, Quantum of Solace was initially announced with a May release date (which was later postponed), proving that a summer opening is not out of the question.

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