MGM plans for a new Bond movie ‘within three years’
MGM Studios plans to send James Bond on his next mission sooner than later, announcing Wednesday that it hopes to have the next installment of the popular spy series in theaters within the next three years.
MGM Chairman and Chief Executive Gary Barber, in a conference call with investors, said the studio is developing the screenplay for the next Bond film, the 24th entry in the 50-year-old franchise.
“We look forward to announcing a director soon,” Barber said. “We are really thrilled with where we have taken this franchise.”
PHOTOS: James Bond through the years
Sam Mendes, director of the most recent Bond film, 2012’s “Skyfall,” announced earlier this month that he passed on an offer from series producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli to return as director.
Star Daniel Craig is signed for two more films as the British secret agent.
Getting the wheels turning on the next movie is understandable given the commercial and critical success of “Skyfall.” The film grossed $1.1 billion worldwide and earned outstanding reviews as well as Oscar wins for sound editing and Adele’s original title song.
Through the series’ long history, a two-year gap between movies has been the norm. “Skyfall” arrived four years after the previous Bond film, “Quantum of Solace,” with MGM’s financial problems contributing to the lengthy delay.
Privately-held MGM jointly produced “Skyfall” with Columbia Pictures, Sony Corp’s movie studio arm.
ALSO:
A fateful call keeps film of ‘The Call’ in L.A.
J.S. Communications pulls bid for Rhythm & Hues
MORE
INTERACTIVE: TVs highest paid stars
ON LOCATION: People and places behind what’s onscreen
PHOTOS: Hollywood back lot moments
From the Oscars to the Emmys.
Get the Envelope newsletter for exclusive awards season coverage, behind-the-scenes stories from the Envelope podcast and columnist Glenn Whipp’s must-read analysis.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
