Report: Bond 23 development also hampered by creative differences

Another week, another media report questioning the future of James Bond. Today, it’s the Los Angeles Times, which claims MGM’s massive debt is not the only complication facing Bond 23.

Daniel Craig as James Bond

According to the paper’s unnamed source, the picture’s script remains unfinished and continues to be the source of creative differences between James Bond writers and producers.

The script for Bond 23 was penned by regular 007 collaborators Neal Purvis and Robert Wade (The World is not Enough, Die Another Day, Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace) and polished by newcomer Peter Morgan (The Queen). The LA Times also claims Sam Mendes, who is unofficially attached to direct the film, worked on the script last spring.

The paper’s source claims “creative discussions among the writers and producers” have hampered the film’s development. The LA Times doesn’t elaborate on the specific nature of the alleged scripting issues, but speculates that it may owe to the lofty expectations placed upon a film which it claims will be framed as a trilogy-closer to Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace.

The report notes that a completed script has not been delivered to the studio; however, this is likely owing to MGM struggling under the weight of almost $4 billion of debt, rather than a stalemate among the film’s creative team. Studio executives were reportedly hoping Bond 23 development would proceed on schedule for a 2011 release date when Sam Mendes boarded the film earlier this year.

With an uncertain timeframe for Bond 23, Sam Mendes is prepping a screen adaptation of Ian McEwan’s novel On Chesil Beach. Daniel Craig, meanwhile, was recently signed to star in the anticipated adaptation of Stieg Larsson’s The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, which will begin filming later this year. Craig is also currently shooting Cowboys & Aliens, for which he has an option for a sequel.

The LA Times notes that switching Bond actors for Bond 23 “is not believed to be on the table”.

MGM and Danjaq declined to comment to the LA Times, while the paper’s call to the offices of Eon Productions was not returned.

The LA Times’ report coincides with Entertainment Weekly’s cover story this week, which claims the Bond series is “falling apart”. However, the magazine offers no new information to back up its sensationalist claims.

Development on the latest James Bond film has been suspended since April 2010.

Keep watching CommanderBond.net for all the latest Bond 23 developments.

Tom Mankiewicz (1942-2010)

Tom Mankiewicz with Athena Stamos in 2007

We have been informed by a trusted source that screenwriter Tom Mankiewicz, who had recently been battling cancer, passed away Saturday in Los Angeles at the age of 68. This news has yet to be officially confirmed by the Mankiewicz family or the media, so stand by.

Mankiewicz contributed to the James Bond world by working on the screenplays of Diamonds Are Forever, Live and Let Die and The Man with the Golden Gun. He also did an uncredited rewrite on The Spy Who Loved Me and helped the Broccoli’s and director Lewis Gilbert get Moonraker off the ground. Apart from 007 Mankiewicz is known for his screenplay involvement in the Christopher Reeve Superman films and 1985’s Ladyhawke.

James Bond producers concerned by film delay, says Hollywood Reporter

James Bond’s state of suspended animation hasn’t kept the superspy out of the news. Today, in the wake of Activision launching its next original 007 adventure Blood Stone, the Hollywood Reporter leads with the latest on Bond 23‘s inertia.

Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson

According to the trade paper’s source, a former MGM insider, James Bond producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson are “deeply concerned” about the effect the delay will have on the picture when it finally moves forward.

“They’re completely panicked that if they go five, six years without a Bond movie, it’ll be over,” a former MGM insider told the paper. “They don’t want to kill the golden goose.”

The source claims Broccoli is hoping MGM will be sold to Time Warner, whose bid for the studio is the highest that has so far been offered. The producer is said to have doubts about whether other interested studios, including Spyglass Entertainment, Summit Entertainment and Lionsgate, could handle the scale of a Bond production. However, at $1.5 billion, Time Warner’s offer is well below the amount sought by MGM’s creditors. MGM is currently buckling under $4 billion of debt.

“They want to continue with Sony since Sony spends.” – Former MGM insider

The former MGM insider told the Hollywood Reporter, “Bond’s the entire yearly production budget for Lionsgate, and you’ve got Carl Icahn [the US investor currently seeking to acquire Lionsgate] saying they’re spending too much money. These [prospective MGM buyers] freak them out. [But] all they can do is work behind the scenes to get what they want.”

Eon were previously reported to be interested in MGM being bought by Time Warner last month.

Broccoli and Wilson are also keen to continue their relationship with Sony Pictures, which began with 2006’s Casino Royale. “They want to continue with Sony since Sony spends,” the Hollywood Reporter’s source said.

The Bond producers are clearly protective of their family’s legacy. According to the Hollywood Reporter, Broccoli was quizzed by Sony’s top brass early in their relationship about what they like to see in studio executives. According to the paper’s source, “Barbara said, ‘We generally like studio executives, but we don’t like assholes like John Calley.’ [Sony chairman, president and CEO] Howard Stringer finally cut her off. It was the most awkward moment. [But] it was her way of firing a shot across the bow.”

Daniel Craig as James Bond

Eon’s influence over the studio is evident in their successful hiring of Daniel Craig for Casino Royale. Broccoli took note of Craig after MGM requested she watch Matthew Vaughan’s Layer Cake, who was under consideration to direct Casino Royale.

“Barbara said, ‘I really like this guy, Daniel Craig,’ ” the Hollywood Reporter’s former MGM insider said. “We were horrified. We liked Eric Bana, Hugh Jackman. To her credit, she thought [Craig] was a great actor, had this magnetism. We wanted to do one more with Pierce [Brosnan]. [The producers] are generally cautious, but they are capable of doing bold strokes.”

“James Bond will return. It’s been true for 50 years.” – Bruce Feirstein

Meanwhile, past 007 alumni were quick to dispel fears the franchise would lose steam should Bond 23 not move ahead in the near future.

“I’m not worried about 007,” said James Bond screenwriter Bruce Feirstein, who most recently penned the scripts for Activision’s GoldenEye and Blood Stone. “There’s a line at the end of every movie which we used in the video game: It’s that James Bond will return. It’s been true for 50 years. A hiccup like what’s going on at MGM is not going to change that.”

Feirstein also noted that interest in James Bond didn’t wane during the six-year gap between 1989’s Licence to Kill and 1995’s GoldenEye.

GoldenEye‘s casting director Pam Dixon agreed. “The long break was a plus in that instance,” she said.

Broccoli and Wilson declined to comment to the Hollywood Reporter. However, there’s no doubting the sentiments behind behind Michael G. Wilson’s opening quip at the Blood Stone launch: “I wish we were launching a movie.”

Be sure to check out the Hollywood Reporter’s full coverage.

Development on the latest James Bond film has been suspended since April 2010.

Keep watching CommanderBond.net for all the latest Bond 23 developments.

"I want to get going on it as quickly as possible."

A brief update on the 23rd James Bond film today courtesy of Empire magazine.

The Empire team shared the following tweet an hour ago from San Diego Comic-Con…

“Bond is on hold, but all I can say is I want to get going on it as quickly as possible.” – Daniel Craig. Ten seconds ago. @empiremagazine

Craig appeared with Harrison Ford at San Diego Comic-Con to promote Jon Favreau’s Cowboys & Aliens, in which the pair star.

Last week at the launch of Activision’s Blood Stone, producer Michael G. Wilson also shared his commitment to making Bond 23. “[We’re] convinced that we’ll be bringing you another Bond film soon.”

Craig has lent his voice and likeness to two James Bond video games to be released this year: GoldenEye and Blood Stone.

Development on the latest James Bond film has been suspended since April 2010.

Keep watching CommanderBond.net for all the latest Bond 23 developments.

007 producers confident Bond 23 will move ahead soon

James Bond film producer Michael G. Wilson quashed rumours that the 23rd 007 film has been cancelled at the London launch of Activision’s Blood Stone this week.

While Wilson refused to be drawn on MGM’s financial woes – the reason behind production on Bond 23 stalling – the long-time producer told IGN UK, “Both Barbara [Broccoli, Wilson’s producing partner] and I are convinced that we’ll be bringing you another Bond film soon.”

Speculation that Bond 23 had been outright cancelled moved through the press earlier this month when the Daily Mirror published an article claiming production staff on the film had been given their marching orders.

However, the trade press were quick to dismiss the report, with a number of outlets claiming Daniel Craig and director Sam Mendes remain committed to making Bond 23.

Development on the latest James Bond film has been suspended since April 2010.

Keep watching CommanderBond.net for all the latest Bond 23 developments.

Christopher Nolan: "I'd love to direct a Bond film"

Christopher Nolan, the Oscar-nominated director behind Memento, Batman Begins and The Dark Knight, and long known to be a James Bond fan, has told BBC News that he’s keen to helm a 007 film in the future.

“I’ve loved the Bond films since I was a kid. For me, they’re always about the expansiveness of cinema.” – Christopher Nolan

Nolan’s latest film, Inception, is currently in cinemas, and it’s heavily influenced by 007, the director says. “The Bond influence on [Inception] was very intentional because, for me, growing up with the Bond films – they’ve always stood for grand-scale action.”

“[The Bond films have always] stood for the promise of being taken to some place bigger than you could have imagined. In dealing with the human mind and dreams, my mind naturally gravitates towards the Bond films as that sort of expression of cinematic potential. By the end of the film you feel that Inception could go anywhere and do anything.”

Deadline relays more from the BBC, in which Nolan reveals his desire to helm a James Bond film. “I’ve loved the Bond films since I was a kid. For me, they’re always about the expansiveness of cinema. The first Bond films set up infinite possibilities about the world they create. I’d love to do a Bond film.”

In particular, Nolan has cited On Her Majesty’s Secret Service – his favourite Bond film – as an influence on Inception.

Bond fans excited by the prospect of Nolan helming a Bond pic shouldn’t hold their breath, though. The director is next expected to tackle a third Batman film, reportedly due for release in July 2012. He has also been linked to a new Superman film.

Sam Mendes remains committed to directing the 23rd James Bond film, even though its development is currently suspended.

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

Bond 23 tabloid reports false, claim trade press

Last week’s report in the Daily Mirror claiming production staff on the 23rd James Bond film were told the film was “canned” prompted tabloid press around the world to forecast the death of the cinematic 007. This claim has now been discounted by several trade publications.

According to the Hollywood Reporter’s Risky Business blog, nothing has changed since Eon Productions’ April announcement that Bond 23 is “delayed indefinitely”.

Deadline is making similar sounds. According to the site’s source, “There is no new news. Development will resume once MGM is viable again, as Danjaq can’t go anywhere without them. So all bets are off. No idea when this will get resolved.”

Deadline claims both Daniel Craig and Sam Mendes remain committed to the next James Bond film.

Rumour site Gossip Cop also claims the report was false. According to sources apparently close to Daniel Craig, “The situation remains exactly the same as for the last many months. The filmmakers formally announced then that the current production of Bond 23 was being postponed due to the issues relating to the sale of MGM. Nothing has changed and production is only postponed, not cancelled.”

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

Tabloid report: Bond 23 production "canned"

Reports that the 23rd James Bond film is in development purgatory have flared up again in the UK press this week after the Daily Mirror ran a story claiming the film’s production staff have been notified its development is suspended.

Eon Productions announced in April that Bond 23 had been “delayed indefinitely” thanks to MGM’s ongoing financial woes.

This week, the Daily Mirror quoted an alleged insider on the production who told the paper, “Members of the production crew have been told the Bond film has been canned. There is a lot of bad feeling as a lot of time, money and hard work has already gone into this.”

An Eon spokesperson told the paper, “We do not know when development will resume and cannot comment further at this stage.”

Last June, it was reported that director Sam Mendes – whose involvement in Bond 23 has not been officially announced – remains committed to helming the next 007 picture.

The report has prompted other media outlets – including guardian.co.uk – to speculate over the future of the Bond film franchise. Given the unreliability of British tabloids, the Daily Mirror’s report ought to be taken with a grain of salt.

However, it remains clear that the uncertainty over MGM’s future is continuing keep Bond 23 from moving ahead. According to the Hollywood Reporter, the studio is set to seek a sixth extension on its debt and interest payments. The studio is expected to formally request the extension this week.

The trade paper reports that the studio is being pressured to sell its share of the rights to The Hobbit films. Studio executives are keen to retain the rights, but some lenders are pushing for them to be sold in a bid to raise capital.

The top bid for MGM – Warner Bros. with $1.5 billion – was rejected as being too low, but according to the Hollywood Reporter, the offer still stands.

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

007 Stage fire court case continues

A brief update from the Telegraph today on the fire that destroyed Pinewood Studios’ world-famous 007 Stage in July 2006.

The ‘007 Stage’ ablaze at Pinewood Studios

The blaze was allegedly caused by oxyacetylene torches used to dismantle water tanks used during the filming of Casino Royale‘s Venice-set finale. The stage burnt down shortly after shooting of the movie wrapped.

The fire has resulted in an ongoing legal battle between Pinewood Studios and Casino Royale Productions. Pinewood claims the fire caused over £8 million worth of damage.

Defence court papers obtained by the Telegraph state, “It is denied that this work was actually carried out by Casino Royale [Productions]. Casino Royale had engaged First Imperial Services to dismantle the set … First Imperial had subcontracted the dismantling … to J Male & Son, who had in turn subcontracted the work to Downton Structures. It was Downton that was actually carrying out the cutting work.”

As a result of the blaze, the stage was completely demolished in August 2006 and rebuilt in 2007 in time for production to begin on Quantum of Solace.

The court case continues.

The 007 Stage previously burnt down in 1984 during filming of Ridley Scott’s Legend. The stage was rebuilt by January 1985, just in time for shooting to commence on A View to a Kill. The stage was renamed the Albert R. Broccoli 007 Stage in honour of the James Bond producer’s contribution to Pinewood Studios and the British film industry as a whole.

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

Martin Campbell remains open to 007 comeback

While Sam Mendes remains committed to directing the 23rd James Bond film, one man has no plans to return to the 007 series in the near future.

Martin Campbell

In an interview with the Indo-Asian News Service, director Martin Campbell has ruled out an imminent return to the franchise he has twice revitalised.

“First of all it was a delight to work on both the Bond movies and quite an experience to work with both Pierce and Daniel,” the director of GoldenEye and Casino Royale told the website. “As of now I have no plan to direct a Bond film. I think I am done with it for now. But then never say never, one doesn’t know what one does in future.”

“Pierce and Daniel both brought the essence of James Bond and that is what a filmmaker wants at the end of the day.” – Martin Campbell

Campbell was quick to praise the strengths of both Bond actors he has directed and is reluctant to choose a favourite. “Pierce and Daniel both brought the essence of James Bond and that is what a filmmaker wants at the end of the day. It would be unfair on my part to compare the two. The fact that Daniel’s both Bond movies were a hit is enough to say he knows his job well.”

Campbell has previously backed Sam Mendes in helming Bond 23. “Sam will do a splendid job,” the director told Time Out earlier this year.

Martin Campbell is currently directing comic book adaptation Green Lantern for release in 2011.

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