Through most of the first 30 years of its existence, the James Bond franchise has been fairly consistent at having a film in theaters every two or three years, with the first big hiccup in that formula being the six-year stretch between Timothy Dalton’s last reprisal in License to Kill in 1989 and Pierce Brosnan’s Goldeneye in 1995. And even though star Daniel Craig isn’t leaving, the absence of a director may have fans waiting through yet another long gap-- even without a financial collapse like the one that happened last time.
According to Reuters, a conference call between MGM Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Gary Barber and film investors revealed that the screenplay for the 24th James Bond film is in development, and that they were optimistic about having another film ready in three years or so. Three years!?! It makes sense that the studio doesn’t want to rush into a sequel to Sam Mendes’ Skyfall, the highest-grossing Bond film of all time - and the seventh highest grossing film ever with a $1.1 billion gross – considering the underwhelming Quantum of Solace. But still, even a less-than-fantastic Bond film is still a Bond film, especially with Craig signed on for another two features.
“We are very excited about the franchise; we look forward to announcing a director soon,” said Barber. “We are currently developing the screenplay and working with our partners…We are hoping within the next three years it will be released.” He went on to say that Mendes “did an amazing job with Skyfall. We are very thankful for the work that he did.”
Don’t they realize three years from now, Adele will probably be a home-bodied shut-in unable to get past all the Grammy awards to exit her house, much less make it to the studio to record a theme song? Keep your eyes peeled for more news on directors and casting, which isn’t necessarily for your eyes only, but it can be shared.
