Is The Next James Bond Movie Dead?

Bond 23, which is the only thing we know to call the next 007 movie, was officially delayed by EON Productions back in April. Now it could be moving back on the shelf indefinitely. According to The Daily Mirror (via Contact Music), an announcement is expected soon that will shed more light on the subject, but it won't be good news. According to the article - which, being from The Daily Mirror, requires a bit of skepticism - senior members of the production crew will be told rather shortly that the film is on ice with no timetable to return. This would be particularly bad news if it means Daniel Craig will have ammunition to get out of his contract, and anything longer than a two-year wait might hurt the franchise's chances of getting him back. EON was contacted about the story, and through a spokesman, offered meekly, "We issued a statement in April saying filming had been postponed. We do not know when development will resume and cannot comment further at this stage." MGM is the goat here, swallowed up by billions of dollars in debt, and Warner Bros. and other possible buyers not willing to take on a restructure deal to pay back creditors even though new ownership could have Bond, The Hobbit, and Metro's impressive catalog of films spanning the last 90 years or so. Until that rock is moved, this one can't go anywhere. That's what is so peculiar about The Hobbit starting to round into shape, since MGM probably won't exist when it's released. If I were MGM and Warner Bros., Warner being the most likely purchaser among the film community, I'd offer a deal to Sony, which already handles Bond's overseas theatrical releases, and sell the whole 007 franchise. What's that worth, do you think? It's got to be at least $1.5 billion, because Sony counted those international receipts for just the last two films and they added up to almost $900 million. Add in the domestic cash, a percentage of which Sony also earned as distributor, and it's just under $1.2 billion for only Quantum of Solace and Casino Royale. You figure two more Daniel Craig adventures plus home video sales, Blu-ray on the catalog, and rights to the character in perpetuity would be a pretty big carrot to dangle. Then Warners could take a big chunk out of what MGM owes, even more of which could be wiped up with Hobbit box office. Who loses there? But that's pie-in-the-sky stuff, I guess. As for Bond 23, we'll keep our eyes open, although the first movement on the project may not be what we want it to be.

Comments

[eboy2010]

I'm sad to see Bond in this kind of crisis. I have recently introduced my kids to the whole franchise and was eagerly awaiting the next chapter. Politics and economic realities suck.

[PLIZ DON'T GO CRAIG]

I'm really shocked and disappointed in hearing the news on "bond 23". Daniel Craig is thee BEST thing about this "rejuventated" Bond franchise. PERFECTLY CAST in this role, his terrific "hit the nail right on the head" performance brings the whoooole meaning back to what James Bond truly is: a Lethal Weapon. He added charm, humor, and vigor to the character and conflict of 007. Be a shame to lose him. So, here's to a peaceful resolution...and let's get this show on the road!