Financial Woes Delay New James Bond Film – Indefinitely
April 21st, 2010
Daniel Craig may not get the opportunity to reprise his role as James Bond as the next film in the franchise has been put in hold indefinitely, due to uncertainty about the future of distributor Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc.
Producers Michael Wilson and Barbara Broccoli said development of the movie was suspended indefinitely after MGM failed to find a buyer.
MGM put itself up for sale after a slump in DVD sales and a lack of hits left it unable to manage a $US3.7 billion debt.
The next film would be the 23rd offical James Bond outing, with Daniel Craig in the role for the third time, and Sam Mendes rumored to be directing. Rachel Weisz was also reported to be coming on board as the next Bond girl.
It had been set for release in 2012, the 50th anniversary of Bond’s first outing in Dr No, but producers said on Monday that they had no idea if or when work on the film would recommence.
Wilson and Broccoli’s EON Productions has produced 22 Bond thrillers since 1962.
MGM’s sole release for 2010 has been the comedy Hot Tub Time Machine starring John Cusack, which has grossed more US$42 million.
