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Bond 23 is On Hold Until MGM Figures Out Money Problems

by Alex Billington
January 4, 2010
Source: MI6.co.uk

As a lifelong die-hard James Bond fan, I always hate reporting this kind of news, especially when this latest Daniel Craig version of Bond has been so successful. But alas I'm only the messenger and there's nothing I can really do. When we first reported that MGM was having financial issues last September, James Bond was highlighted as one of their key franchises - "the studio doesn't think it can stay alive without 007." Then we heard in December from screenwriter Peter Morgan that the sequel was on hold. MI6 confirmed with producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli that Bond 23 is indeed on hold for the time being.

"Well, our timeline's a little up in the air what with the situation at MGM, so we have to be flexible. We just don't know enough about the situation to comment, but we know it's uncertain."

So Bond 23 is "uncertain"? That's not good at all! MGM is supposed to have an update in the next few weeks, whether it be more financing or a takeover or a sale, so we should know more soon. And I'm sure as soon as they figure out what's going on (or sell to new owners), they'll put Bond 23 back in action. Morgan said that he's finished with the script and everything seems to be ready to go, it's just a matter of getting greenlit early enough to make a late 2011 release. Speaking of the story, Wilson says it's not as far along as we may think.

"Well... we've hired the writers and we've been working with them but it's just too early to say anything," he said. "You know, often at this stage, I find myself saying, 'Oh, we're gonna do this and that', then six months from now you'll say, 'That isn't in the film at all - you told me it was...' I think we're at the stage where a lot of ideas are floating around that sound very good, but whether they make the final cut, who knows?"

Very interesting statements. Let's hope the "shocking story" that Peter Morgan talked about last year is still intact, because I think that kind of story could really re-energize the Bond franchise once again (coming off of Quantum of Solace). Not that it needs anything like that, it just needs money and a greenlight as well as a good director and I'm sure it'll be as big of a success as its always been previously. As I said at the beginning, as a die-hard Bond fan, I'm just anxious to see the next one as soon as possible. As long as it starts shooting by early 2011 (which is still reportedly the case), they'll get the next one out on time. Are you concerned?

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