Is the Bond series finally back on track? After MGM’s financial fiasco, it looks like the company is getting back into production business. They are gearing up for The Hobbit early next year, and they spoke with Bloomberg (via MI6) on the state of the Bond franchise. Check out the info below.
New James Bond films may be released every second year starting in November 2012, MGM said. It aims to own 50 percent of Bond 23, due out that year, with an equal partner paying all of the production costs, it said. Later Bond movies would be wholly owned and funded by MGM, the company said.
Possible equal partners include Sony and Paramount. Director Sam Mendes is still expected to helm this next title. An interesting fact from MI6: “2012 marks the 50th anniversary of the EON Productions series of James Bond films. It would be the first time a Bond movie has been released in a year ending in ‘2’ since the debut outing “Dr No” in 1962. Assuming Daniel Craig honours his contract for a third film, it would also be the longest gap between Bond movies without a change in the lead role.”
With Daniel Craig finishing up Cowboys & Aliens, Dream House and currently filming David Fincher‘s The Girl With a Dragon Tattoo. Even if he chooses to participate in the sequel, The Girl Who Played With Fire, he should have more than enough time in 2011 to take part in Bond 23.
Are you looking forward to a new Bond every two years?