Wow, this is out of the blue and just as word was spreading production on the next James Bond was “up in the air” The Hollywood Reporter announces Sam Mendes of all people will be the next to direct Daniel Craig as James Bond in James Bond 23. The site reports production is being fast-tracked and could begin as early as June with an eye toward a 2011 release.
This announcement was probably being held, but with the recent rumors the production had been delayed due to a possible sale of MGM it most likely meant the producers wanted to clear the air.
Bond regulars Neal Purvis and Robert Wade are writing, along with Frost/Nixon scribe Peter Morgan. Michael Wilson and Barbara Broccoli are producing. Daniel Craig will reprise his role as 007.
As far as story goes there are no details other than the quote from Morgan that prompted a rash of excitement when he said it was a “shocking story.”
Mendes has worked with Craig once before in 2002’s Road to Perdition.
