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.

Mendes confirmed, Morgan out, Marber in?

As the future of MGM remains undecided, The Telegraph claims there’s movement behind the scenes of Bond 23.

Peter Morgan – off Bond 23?

According to the paper, James Bond producer Barbara Broccoli has confirmed that American Beauty helmer Sam Mendes will direct the next 007 outing.

It had previously been reported that the Oscar-winning director was attached only in a “consultant” capacity.

The Telegraph also reports that The Queen screenwriter Peter Morgan is no longer working on the script for the 23rd Bond film. Morgan boarded Bond 23 alongside 007 regulars Neal Purvis and Robert Wade in June last year.

Mendes is reportedly seeking playwright and screenwriter Patrick Marber to replace Morgan on the film. Marber is the scribe behind Notes on a Scandal and Closer (having written and directed the play from which it was adapted). He has also written and starred in several projects featuring Steve Coogan’s inept TV presenter Alan Partridge, including The Day Today and Knowing Me, Knowing You.

However, the Telegraph couldn’t get confirmation of the writer switch from MGM. A studio spokesperson said, “The filmmakers say the Morgan/Marber switch is just speculation.”

Keep watching CommanderBond.net for confirmation or denial of these rumours as soon as it emerges.

Rumour control: Rachel Weisz under consideration for Bond 23?

Although the never-ending sale of MGM seems to have put a damper on Bond 23 for the time-being, we do have one brand new rumour to report on…

Rachel Weisz for Bond 23?

An unnamed, but ‘reliable, proven source’ at Cinema Blend has broken the news that Academy Award-winning actress Rachel Weisz may be under consideration for a major role in the 23rd James Bond film—as the villain.

The source states that Weisz would play the head of Quantum, the villainous organization featured in both Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace which includes Mr. White and the deceased Dominic Greene as its members.

It’s incredibly tricky to pinpoint just exactly how likely this rumour is of turning out true. Understandably, Cinema Blend cautions readers with the following note:

What we can tell you in this case is that our information comes from a reliable, proven source who’s broken numerous, since confirmed stories to us over a period of several years. For instance, it was this same source that was the first anywhere to break the news that Black Widow would be in Iron Man 2. But as with all rumors, even when they’re from a proven source like this one, it’s just rumor until it can be confirmed by a second, independent source. In fact this particular source affirmed that in our communication, reiterating that it’s still very early in the process and that because of this, “things can change in a heartbeat and they might even try to deny what I told you but that’s what’s the brainstorming going on now.” Now you know what we know.

Weisz is presently filming the thriller Dream House along with Daniel Craig. Her past notable films include The Lovely Bones, The Constant Gardener, Runaway Jury and The Mummy.

As always, CommanderBond.net will keep you updated with all the latest news circling Bond 23.

Freida Pinto denies Bond girl rumours

Actress Freida Pinto has put an end to the seemingly nonstop rumours that she would be appearing alongside Daniel Craig in the forthcoming Bond 23.

An unnamed source for British tabloid The Daily Mirror had started a media frenzy with the comment: ‘Freida was always the dream Bond girl, but initially she was nervous about accepting it. This is going to be the most ambitious 007 yet.’

However, the rep for the Slumdog Millionaire actress has dismissed the stories, stating that there has been no dialogue between Pinto and the James Bond producers.

Her spokesperson told India’s NDTV: ‘I would like to confirm that as of today, Freida Pinto has not been approached to be part of the next Bond film.’

As always, keep turning to the CommanderBond.net main page and our Discussion Forums for all the latest news from the world of 007.

Sony wants to stick around with James Bond after MGM Studios sale

BusinessWeek – Sony Corp. will want a role in the James Bond movies once the sale or restructuring of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc. is complete, Sony Pictures Entertainment Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Michael Lynton said.

Sony is interested in distributing new Bond films or becoming a production partner to Los Angeles-based MGM or its new owners, Lynton said at the ShoWest industry trade show in Las Vegas. He said Sony hasn’t held formal discussions with potential buyers.

“We would like to be as involved with James Bond as we’re permitted to be,” Lynton said in the March 15 interview.

The Bond movies are among MGM assets that also include film rights to J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit and a library of more than 4,000 titles. The Los Angeles-based studio put itself up for sale after failing to make payments on $3.7 billion in debt.

There may be a role for Sony or another large studio, even if MGM is sold. Not all of MGM’s suitors are equipped to handle global marketing and distribution of the films.

Companies considering second-round bids for MGM include Lions Gate Entertainment Corp., the independent studio run from Santa Monica, California, that typically focuses on smaller genre films, including the Saw horror films and Tyler Perry comedies. Lions Gate couldn’t distribute Bond movies worldwide by itself, Vice Chairman Michael Burns said at a New York investor conference last week.

Other potential MGM bidders include billionaire Len Blavatnik’s New York-based Access Industries, New York-based Time Warner Inc. and Englewood, Colorado-based Liberty Media Corp., a person with knowledge of the situation said last month.

Co-Producers

Sony distributed and co-produced the two most recent Bond films, Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace. Both films generated a majority of box-office revenue from outside the U.S. and Canada.

Casino Royale took in 72 percent of its $594.2 million from foreign ticket sales. For Quantum of Solace, 71 percent of $586.1 million in sales was from outside the U.S. and Canada, according to researcher Box Office Mojo.

U.S. traded shares of Sony gained 23 cents to $37.80 at 4:02 p.m. in New York Stock Exchange composite trading. The stock has gained 30 percent this year.

As always, keep turning to the CommanderBond.net main page and our Discussion Forums for all the latest news from the world of 007.

Sam Mendes plays coy on Bond 23 reports

Oscar-winning director Sam Mendes has spoken out about reports he is attached to the 23rd James Bond film.

Sam Mendes

Mendes told the Wall Street Journal, “It’s only speculation and, you know, at the moment there isn’t even a studio to make the James Bond movie, because MGM is for sale.”

The comments are in line with claims by Hollywood blogger Nikki Fenke that Mendes is in negotiations to board Bond 23 not as a director but as a “consultant”, due to the impending sale of MGM.

Meanwhile, actor Simon Russell Beale further connected Mendes to Bond 23 in an interview with The Independent. Beale passed comment that he and Mendes are planning an adaptation of King Lear in the near future, which led the paper to ask whether he’d like a part in a Mendes-directed Bond film.

“YES! Of course! Every actor wants to be in Bond. I’d love to be a baddie. I saw Sam just before Christmas and dropped a hint – and he just looked wearily at me.”

Keep watching CommanderBond.net for the latest James Bond news.

The Sun stirs up 3D rumours for Bond 23

With the news feed and rumour mill beginning to kick into gear for Bond 23, The Sun has chimed in with their own exclusive of sorts for the forthcoming James Bond film.

According to the paper—which can always be counted upon for some of the rather outlandish rumours and reports when it comes to 007—Bond 23 is being lined up as a 3D picture.

A source for the paper stated: ‘The 23rd Bond movie has been put back a few months and that has given them the time to prepare to film it in 3D. Everyone involved in the project is really excited because it will take the franchise in a new direction.’

While the actual chances of this happening are an entirely different matter, it is still fun to sit back and wonder about the possibilities.

As always, stay up-to-date with all the latest James Bond coverage by visiting the CommanderBond.net main page and our Discussion Forums.

Mendes' publicist comments on 007 reports

Sam Mendes’ British publicist Sara Keene has confirmed to guardian.co.uk that the director is indeed in talks to helm the 23rd James Bond film.

Sam Mendes

Keene told the website, “I can confirm that he has had a meeting, but Sam always has lots of projects on the table that he might direct next. Sam’s method is to have a number of projects as possible next films and at some point to confirm which film he’s going to do.”

The news comes after Hollywood blogger Nikki Fenke reported on the curious negotiations owing to the imminent sale of MGM. Fenke claims Mendes is soon to be brought on board the film as a “consultant with an eye to direct”.

Mendes is the Oscar-winning director behind such films as American Beauty, Road to Perdition and Revolutionary Road.

MGM has refused to confirm the reports to trade paper Variety. The studio also denied reports that pre-production on Bond 23 is on hold.

Keep watching CommanderBond.net for the latest James Bond news.

Muddy MGM situation behind Mendes negotiations

Trusted Hollywood blogger Nikki Fenke of Deadline.com is exclusively reporting that Sam Mendes has not signed on to direct the 23rd James Bond film… yet.

Instead, Fenke claims the Oscar-winning helmer of American Beauty and Road to Perdition is in final negotiations to initially board Bond 23 as a “consultant”.

The curious negotiations reportedly stem from the increasingly muddied behind-the-scenes situation at the beleaguered studio home of the 007 films, MGM.

According to the blogger’s sources, Eon Productions requires a first payment from MGM once the company hires a director. Accordingly, Mendes is in final negotiations to come on board the project “as a consultant with an eye to direct”.

Fenke’s source said, “Once they put [Mendes] on as the director, something happens to the contract in terms of ownership. But let me emphasize there’s not any deal done.”

Fenke writes, “Given that MGM is teetering on the brink of bankruptcy, and Eon may have the right to take Bond elsewhere, it stands to reason that the producers wouldn’t want to do anything right away that further complicates ownership of Bond #23.”

Also of interest is Fenke’s claim that Daniel Craig “insisted” upon Mendes’ involvement in the film following the mixed critical reaction to Quantum of Solace.

MGM has refused to confirm the reports to trade paper Variety. The studio also denied reports that pre-production on Bond 23 is on hold.

Keep watching CommanderBond.net for the latest James Bond news.

Director Sam Mendes rumoured for Bond 23

British director Sam Mendes is reportedly in talks to direct the 23rd James Bond film, says The Hollywood Reporter’s Heat Vision blog.

The blog states that the Road to Perdition and Revolutionary Road helmer is currently in negotiations with Eon Productions’ Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson to take on what will be Daniel Craig’s third 007 outing.

‘Plans for the film are moving forward despite a possible sale of MGM.’

While it has been recently reported that work on Bond 23 is on hold due to the impending MGM sale, Heat Vision reports that production on the film is being fast-tracked and could begin as early as June with an eye toward the 2011 release.

No official statement has been made, so we’ll have to watch and see.

Keep your browsers pointed to the CommanderBond.net main page for all the latest Bond 23 news.