A Quantum of Solace For Sony

If the recent reports regarding the undeniable success of Quantum of Solace at the box office are anything to go by, then Sony can breathe a sigh of relief.

The company has been counting on the 22nd James Bond film to deliver after the ailing euro and strong yen took a bite out of their recent quarterly profits–reports the Financial Times.

Thankfully, 007 is breaking records left and right once again, as was the case two years ago when Daniel Craig’s first Bond film, Casino Royale, was released.

Furthermore, the film has yet to even open in several key markets, such as the US, Spain, Australia and Japan.

‘I don’t want to predict what will happen in the US,’ said Michael Lynton, chief executive of Sony Pictures Entertainment. ‘But in these difficult economic times it’s nice to have a hit and the film certainly worked in the UK and elsewhere.’

‘It’s profitable for the studio, which means it’s profitable for Sony corporation,’ said Mr. Lynton, adding that the film is also important ‘from a morale standpoint.’

The problem for Sony is that the lucrative 007 franchise is expected to revert back to Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) for Bond 23, the result of an agreement struck when Sony formed a consortium to buy the rival studio four years ago. Both Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace were MGM/Columbia Pictures co-productions).

However, the Financial Times points out that the credit freeze has hit MGM’s plans to raise money to produce the film. While MGM continues to explore financing options, Mr. Lynton declined to comment on whether the two studios have had discussions about Sony staying on board for Bond 23 and beyond.

‘All things being equal, we’d love to stay in the James Bond business’ he said.

Stay tuned to the CommanderBond.net main page for all the latest details on both Quantum of Solace and Bond 23.

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