New Bond movie suspended

Filming was halted on the next James Bond film when MGM...

16:00 20 April 2010

Production on the new James Bond film has been suspended “indefinitely”, it has been revealed.

Due to the “continuing uncertainty” regarding the future of long-running film studio MGM, the as-yet untitled addition to the spy thriller franchise has halted filming.

The 23rd film in the Bond series (now starring Daniel Craig as the lethal British secret agent and serial womaniser) had already started filming, but has now been halted because the ailing studio has failed to find a buyer to bail out its current financial situation.

'Casino Royale' and 'Quantum of Solace' producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli stated that they did not know when it would resume, or if the film would ever, indeed, reach cinemas.

In a joint statement, the producers said: "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."

Leading actor Craig said he was disappointed but confident about the move. He said: "I have every confidence in Barbara and Michael's decision and look forward to production resuming as quickly as possible.

Plans were to release the film next year. The James Bond films represent the longest running franchise in cinematic history.

Other actors including Sean Connery, Roger Moore, George Lazenby, Timothy Dalton and Pierce Brosnan have filled the title role.