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Sometimes we get info that just plain sucks to report, and today is one of those days. Collider broke the story, that with the current state and future of MGM still uncertain, James Bond producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli have suspended development on the next James Bond movie. Up until now, the 23rd installment of the franchise was scheduled for release in either 2011 or 2012. The quote was as follows:
“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.
The 007 franchise is one of the biggest things MGM has going for it, and to completely abandon the character would no t only be foolish but flat out unlikely. As they pointed out at Collider, surely things will move forward on another film as soon as the studio is back under control, and papers are signed. QUANTUM OF SOLACE made almost $600 million worldwide, nearly three times its $200 million budget. We had reported back in early January that Sam Mendes (ROAD TO PERDITION) was attached to direct the next film, and Peter Morgan (writer of FROST/NIXON) was joining veteran Bond scribes Neal Purvis and Robert Wade to pen a screenplay, and chances are by now at least a few drafts have already been turned in. So once things get back on track, it should be easy enough to build momentum at a fast pace on the next outing. But what does this mean for Mendes? What about Daniel Craig? Will these fellas wait around for things to fall back into place? Chances are Craig will return, as he stands to make the biggest paychecks from his 007 work, and the involvement of Sam Mendes may just depend on whatever he’s attached to at that moment. Some fans didn’t react well to Mendes being tapped for directing chores, so this delay could be an out for him and the studio. Personally, I like the idea of someone like Mendes taking on Bond, especially with the Craig take on the character. Hopefully everyone will return sooner than later. For God’s sake, someone save MGM already!
Born and raised in Dallas, Mark has been a movie critic since 1994, with reviews featured in print, radio and National TV. In 2001 he started the Entertainment section of the Herorealm website, where he contributed film reviews and celebrity interviews until 2004. After three years of service there, he started Bigfanboy.com, which has become one of the Dallas film community's leading information websites. Bigfanboy hosts several movie screenings in the Texas area, and works closely with film and TV studios and promotional partners to host exciting events and contests. The site also features a variety of rare celebrity and filmmaker interviews, and Bigfanboy.com regularly covers the film festival circuit as well. In addition to Hollywood reporting, Mark has worked for many years as an advertising and sci-fi/comic book artist. Clients have included Lucasfilm Ltd., Topps Trading Cards, The Dallas Mavericks and The Dallas Stars. From 2002 until 2015 he managed the Dallas Comic Con, Sci-Fi Expo and Fan Days events in the DFW area. He currently catalogs rare comic books and movie memorabilia for Heritage Auctions, and runs the Dallas Comic Show conventions, but remains an avid moviegoer and cinema buff. 
