James Bond 23 News

James Bond 007 News and Rumors: Skyfall is Bond 23, the new James Bond movie starring Daniel Craig, released November 2012

Archive for department: "Official Annoucements"

Bond 23 coming to the UK on 26th October 2012

Jun 3

Posted by M in Official Annoucements, Releases | No Comments

LONDON, June 2, 2011 – MGM and Sony Pictures Entertainment are delighted to announce the UK release date for the eagerly anticipated 23rd James Bond adventure will be Friday, 26TH OCTOBER, 2012 opening at the Odeon Leicester Square and in cinemas across the UK and Ireland.

The film will open in the United States on November 9, 2012.

BOND 23 will see Daniel Craig continue his role as James Bond in the iconic movie franchise, with British director Sam Mendes at the helm of the as-yet untitled 23rd James Bond adventure.  The film will be produced by Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli.

The last two films, Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace, had record-high grosses for the Bond franchise, with Casino Royale taking in $599 million in worldwide ticket sales and Quantum of Solace generating $577 million.

About Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc.

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. is actively engaged in the worldwide production and distribution of motion pictures, television programming, home video, interactive media, music, and licensed merchandise. The company owns the world’s largest library of modern films, comprising around 4,100 titles. Operating units include Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc., United Artists Films Inc., MGM Television Entertainment Inc., MGM Networks Inc., MGM Distribution Co., MGM International Television Distribution Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Home Entertainment LLC, MGM ON STAGE, MGM Music, MGM Consumer Products and MGM Interactive. In addition, MGM has ownership interests in domestic and international TV channels reaching over 130 countries. For more information, visit www.mgm.com.

About Sony Pictures Entertainment

Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America, a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation.  SPE’s global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution; television production and distribution; home entertainment acquisition and distribution; a global channel network; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; development of new entertainment products, services and technologies; and distribution of entertainment in more than 140 countries.  Sony Pictures Entertainment can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.sonypictures.com.

About EON Productions

EON Productions Limited and Danjaq LLC are wholly owned and controlled by the Broccoli/Wilson family.   Danjaq is the US based company that co-owns, with MGM, the copyright in the existing James Bond films and controls the right to produce future James Bond films as well as all worldwide merchandising.   EON Productions, an affiliate of Danjaq, is the UK-based production company which makes the James Bond films.   The 007 franchise is the longest running in film history with twenty-two films produced since 1962.  Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli took over the franchise from Albert R ‘Cubby’ Broccoli in 1995 and have produced some of the most successful Bond films ever, including Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace.

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MGM emerge from bankruptcy and eye Bond 23

Dec 22

Posted by M in Bond 23, Official Annoucements | 1 Comment

With 500 million in funding under its belt, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer is already planning where it can spend its newfound wealth.

However, first on the agenda will be, The Hobbit filmed in New Zealand next year. The Spyglass executives said they were “honored and inspired” to be leading MGM through the challenging time.

The question on industry experts’ lips is “who will be partnering with the big cat to bring us Bond 23? The release of Bond 23, optimistically scheduled for November 2011, would coincide with the50th anniversary of James Bond 007. Trade press Variety predicts that beyond Bond and The Lord Of The Rings prequel MGM’s slate is sorely lacking. Bond may prove the cat’s best hope.

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MGM plans James Bond 23 for November 2012 provided a producing partner can be found

Nov 4

Posted by M in Official Annoucements, Releases | No Comments

The bankrupt studio, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, who filed a Chapter 11 petition today in Bankruptcy Court, expressed an interest in fast-tracking James Bond and The Hobbit films.

Business news source Bloomberg reports the following:

MGM plans to spend as much as $125 million on operations in the next 15 weeks. MGM said it’s has already spent $20 million to fund production of films based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s novel… 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.

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MGM/Spyglass deal struck – Industry news debates who will distribute James Bond 23

Oct 30

Posted by M in Official Annoucements, Producers | No Comments

The Big Cat has announced that a creditor vote has lead to the acceptance of the Spyglass plan. Under the scheme MGM will become a “working studio” and no longer a distributor of films.

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc. (‘MGM’) today announced that the secured lenders voting in the Company’s solicitation process have overwhelmingly approved its proposed plan of reorganization (‘Plan’). MGM will now move expeditiously to implement that Plan, which will dramatically reduce its debt load and put the Company in a strong position to execute its business strategy. MGM is appreciative of the lenders’ support.

This leaves sources such as industry blog Deadline debating who will become the distributor of the new James Bond movie.

Sony Pictures did so for Daniel Craig’s previous two James Bond outings – Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace – but Mike Fleming at Deadline suggests they will not retain the honor for James Bond 23.

Warner brothers and Fox are also in contention but Fleming (no relation to James Bond’s creator as far as we can tell) predicts the honor will go to Paramount because of a “close relationship” between Paramount and Spyglass.

Once the restructuring process commences there is real hope on the horizon for 007.

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Mendes still excited about Bond 23 & EON Productions confident & supportive of MGM

Oct 8

Posted by M in Official Annoucements, Pre-Production | 1 Comment

The movies department of the IGN website spoke to Mr. David Wilson – son of 007 producer Michael Wilson – who has made a brief statement about the status of Bond 23.

EON Productions admits director Sam Mendes (American Beauty) is “hot” and “very excited to do this film”. The Bond producers are “patient and optimistic”. The EON team are estimating shooting will take place next year (2011).

“The script’s been in development for some time. We often start the scripts about a year before pre-production has begun. So the script has been in development but it’s been halted for the time being”

With regards to their commitment to the wobbly MGM Studio, Mr. Wilson says: “We support [MGM] – we’ve had a long relationship for a long time and it’s really important for us to get going again. They just have to sort out their financial issues.”

Meanwhile, MGM has begun a process establishing shareholder votes for a of pre-packaged plan of reorganization.

The plan provides for MGM’s secured lenders to exchange more than $4 billion in outstanding debt.

The deadline for the Company’s secured lenders to vote on the Plan is October 22, 2010.

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Bond 23 producer Michael Wilson confident of bringing Bond back to the cinemas soon

Jul 16

Posted by M in Official Annoucements, Producers | No Comments

Whilst attending the press conference for James Bond’s new video game Blood Stone, one half of the brother/sister producing partnership behind the Bond films, Michael G. Wilson announced the he was positive Bond would be back in the cinemas, sooner rather than later.

This should help quell some panic that hit the tabloids earlier in the month, suggesting that 007 was axed. Bond 23 has been put on hold until MGM and its financiers can resolve their debts, either through bankruptcy or bailout.

Both Barbara [Brocolli] and I are convinced that we’ll be bringing you another Bond film soon

This was the sentiment from Mr Wilson that greeted Bond fans as the producer appeared to announce James Bond’s newest videogame adventure – shaping up to be inspired by EA’s successful Everything or Nothing with its fast driving interludes and a healthy mixture of stealth and stunts.

MGM administrators currently have breathing space until September 2010 to find funding for itself.

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Activision announce second Bond video game, Blood Stone

Jul 16

Posted by M in Official Annoucements, Video Games | 1 Comment

Santa Monica, CA – July 16, 2010 – Grammy and BRIT award winning artist Joss Stone is set to debut as the newest Bond girl in Activision Publishing, Inc.’s James Bond 007: Blood Stone, an original Bond experience from screenwriter Bruce Feirstein. In addition to stepping into a leading role, Stone will create original music for the game, luring players into an explosive third-person action adventure where they will unravel an international conspiracy across exotic locales and experience full-throttle, behind-the-wheel action on land and sea while using the most high tech gadgetry known to James Bond 007, the world’s most skilled secret agent.

“James Bond 007: Blood Stone captures the cinematic intensity of a Bond film by immersing players in an intriguing conspiracy that will require them to think and act like James Bond,” said David Pokress, Head of Marketing for Licensed Properties, Activision Publishing. “In addition, the game will feature a diverse array of multi-player modes and debut strategic objective-based gameplay that will allow Xbox 360, PS3 and PC players to battle as teams of spies and mercenaries through authentic Bond locales.”

James Bond 007: Blood Stone features the likeness and voice talent of Daniel Craig, Joss Stone and Judi Dench and features an epic, original story developed by screenwriter Bruce Feirstein.

Players can engage in cover-based firefights, lethal hand-to-hand combat and speed their way through explosive adrenaline-fueled driving sequences as they embark on a global chase leading to action on land and sea through Athens, Istanbul, Monaco and Bangkok.

Gamers can also feel what it is like to be a 00 agent, as they take the battle online in several robust 16-person multi-player modes that require skill, teamwork and strategy as players compete in matches that will have spies battling mercenaries.

Joss Stone provides an original musical track to the game titled, “I’ll Take it All” written and performed by her and Dave Stewart of the Eurythmics. The song will be featured exclusively in James Bond 007: Blood Stone.

The James Bond 007: Blood Stone video game is being developed by critically acclaimed developer Bizarre Creations for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Windows PC under license from EON Productions Ltd and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. The NDS platform is being developed by n-Space.

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Activision re-imagine the classic “GoldenEye 007″ for Wii

Jun 15

Posted by M in Official Annoucements, Video Games | 1 Comment

Long time fans of the Bond franchise will recall that “GoldenEye 007″ for the Nintendo 64 was a hit in both Bond and non-Bond gaming circles. Activision is trying to relive the magic with a remake of this game.

The agents over at Bond site mi6-hq.com reported on the action as it happened. First a GoldenEye trailer leaked onto the internet by IGN sooner than expected. It was removed at Activision’s request but not before many blogs picked up on the release and ran with it. A full report on the new James Bond video game was soon on the new wires.

Fans can pre-order GoldenEye for the Wii on Amazon now, set for release on November 2nd, according to the Amazon product listing.

Today Activision released their official press release.

SANTA MONICA, Calif., June 15, 2010 /PRNewswire via COMTEX News Network/ — With eight million copies sold and a legion of passionate fans worldwide, the Nintendo 64 version of GoldenEye defined multiplayer gaming for a generation of gamers in 1997.

Now, a new take on the legendary James Bond adventure arrives with Activision Publishing’s (Nasdaq: ATVI) all-new GoldenEye 007(TM), which was unveiled at Nintendo’s press briefing, held today during the Electronic Entertainment Exposition (E3) in Los Angeles.

Developed exclusively for Wii(TM) and based on the GoldeneEye film, GoldenEye 007 gives players the chance to use the lethal, gritty style of Daniel Craig’s James Bond to outwit, outmaneuver and overtake an arms syndicate that threatens the world in an innovative, modern take on the legendary GoldenEye movie adventure. The game, which is slated for release this holiday season, is playable in Nintendo’s booth in the West Hall, #5407.

“GoldenEye for the N64 was one of the most acclaimed games and fans regularly cite it as one of the most influential and important titles in history,” said David Pokress, Head of Marketing for Licensed Properties, Activision Publishing. “We’re thrilled to bring the new GoldenEye 007 to gamers around the world as an all-new adventure that seamlessly integrates nostalgic GoldenEye movie moments with innovative FPS gameplay and unique multiplayer action that is unrivaled on the platform.”

GoldenEye 007 features an unprecedented lineup of four-player split-screen MP options that encourage social gaming, including 40 total characters, 8 classic Bond characters, 5 maps, 3 standard modes and 16 special modifiers that allow gamers to create hundreds of game combinations. GoldenEye 007 also features online multiplayer for up to 8 players designed for seasoned FPS online gamers with unique modes and a robust XP system for unlockables and achievements. GoldenEye 007 also supports the Classic Controller Pro(TM) for gamers who want to play with standard FPS controls and the Wii Zapper(TM) for “point and shoot” gamers; players will have several control scheme options, allowing them to experience GoldenEye 007 on Wii any way they want.

The GoldenEye 007 video game is developed by Eurocom under license from EON Productions Ltd and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM). For more information about the game, visit www.goldeneyegame.com.

About Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc.

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc., through its operating subsidiaries, is actively engaged in the worldwide production and distribution of motion pictures, television programming, home video, interactive media, music and licensed merchandise. The company owns the world’s largest library of modern films, comprising around 4,100 titles. Operating units include Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc., United Artists Films Inc., Ventanazul, MGM Television Entertainment Inc., MGM Networks Inc., MGM Domestic Networks LLC, MGM Distribution Co, MGM International Television Distribution In, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Home Entertainment LLC, MGM ON STAGE, MGM Music, MGM Worldwide Digital Media, MGM Consumer Products and MGM Interactive. In addition, MGM has ownership interests in international TV channels reaching nearly 120 countries. MGM ownership is as follows: Providence Equity Partners (29%), TPG (21%), Sony Corporation of America (20%), Comcast (20%), DLJ Merchant Banking Partners (7%) and Quadrangle Group (3%). For more information, visit www.mgm.com.

About EON Productions/Danjaq, LLC

EON Productions have produced twenty two James Bond films since 1962. In 1995, Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli took over the 007 franchise from Albert R ‘Cubby’ Broccoli and are responsible for producing some of the most successful James Bond films ever, including CASINO ROYALE and more recently QUANTUM OF SOLACE. The James Bond franchise is the longest running in film history. EON Productions and Danjaq LLC are affiliate companies and control all worldwide merchandising for James Bond.

About Activision Publishing, Inc.

Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision Publishing, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products.

Activision maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Spain, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Australia, South Korea, China and the region of Taiwan. More information about Activision and its products can be found on the company’s website, www.activision.com.

So, whilst there is little news on a 007 adventure, EON, IFP and their license holders are delivering the goods in the form of a new 007 video game and a new continuation novel.

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Ian Fleming Publications announces Jeffery Deaver as new Bond author

May 27

Posted by M in Official Annoucements | 2 Comments

Whilst this is not strictly Bond 23 news, 007 fans will no doubt be pleased to note that they have a new continuation James Bond novel to look forward to. Project X is expected on 28th May 2011 – one year from today.

Press Release

Ian Fleming Publications Ltd has chosen international bestselling thriller writer, Jeffery Deaver, to write a new James Bond book. The novel, currently known as Project X, will be published one year from today for Ian Fleming’s birthday – May 28, 2011. It will be published by Jeffery Deaver’s publishers Hodder & Stoughton in the UK and Simon & Schuster in the US.

Jeffery Deaver has written 26 novels and sold more than 20 million books worldwide. His books have topped the charts on both sides of the Atlantic and he has been described as ‘the most creative, skilled and intriguing thriller writer in the world’ (Daily Telegraph) and ‘the master of ticking-bomb suspense’ (People magazine). In 2004, Deaver won the Crime Writers’ Association’s Ian Fleming Steel Dagger Award for his book Garden of Beasts. In his acceptance speech he talked about his life-long admiration of Fleming’s writing.

007 came to life fully-formed in 1952 when Ian Fleming wrote Casino Royale. Since then over 100 million James Bond books have sold worldwide.

Corinne Turner, Managing Director of Ian Fleming Publications Ltd, was in the audience. She explains, ‘I’d always enjoyed Jeffery Deaver’s thrillers, but I particularly liked Garden of Beasts: it demonstrated that he was not only a master of the contemporary American thriller but could also write compelling novels of period suspense within a European setting. I didn’t know anything about the author himself and expected a fairly low key response from him when he received our award. ‘I was surprised and delighted when he spoke very fondly of Ian and about the influence that the Bond books had had on his own writing career. It was at that point that I first thought that James Bond could have an interesting adventure in Jeffery Deaver’s hands.’

Deaver comments, ‘I can’t describe the thrill I felt when first approached by Ian Fleming’s estate to ask if I’d be interested in writing the next book in the James Bond series. I began reading them when I was about nine or ten, ignorant of the Cold War politics they explored but enthralled by their sense of adventure and derring-do. I continued to read and reread them, which was fortunate because as a teen and adult I found, of course, nuances, that were invisible to a child.’

He continues, ‘The Bond books were important parts of my life – both literarily and personally. They appealed to me as wonderful stories but they also stood as singular examples of a thriller writer’s craft. I learned, through osmosis as well as design, much technique from Mr. Fleming’s work; compactness, attention to detail, heroic though flawed characters, fast-pacing, concrete imagery and straight-forward prose.’

Unlike Sebastian Faulks’ centenary novel, Devil May Care, Project X will be set in the present day. Jeffery Deaver has started work on the book and his title is yet to be revealed.

David Rosenthal, Executive vice-president and Publisher of Simon & Schuster, comments, “For Simon & Schuster, Deaver and Bond are a peerless combination: clever, suspenseful and sophisticated. Jeff Deaver will produce a popular entertainment of the highest order.”

Project X by Jeffery Deaver will be published on May 28, 2011 by Hodder & Stoughton in the UK and by Simon & Schuster in the US. All Jeffery Deaver’s books have been published in the UK by Hodder & Stoughton and in the US by Simon & Schuster and Penguin. In the US, Pocket Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, publishes the paperback editions of Jeffrey Deaver’s books and will also publish Project X in paperback.

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Daniel Craig confident in Bond 23 producers’ decision to halt production

Apr 20

Posted by M in Actors, Official Annoucements | 1 Comment

Whilst the internet’s news broadcasters have published the halt of Bond 23 as doom and gloom – Daniel Craig has expressed his confidence in the producers with a short statement about the recent turn of events.

“I have every confidence in Barbara and Michael’s decision,” says the two-time Bond star, “and look forward to production resuming as quickly as possible.”

It is unsurprising for many that EON have had no choice to halt the production, given MGM’s current status, and perhaps the big cat’s bankruptcy will prove the quickest, if least desirable, path to Bond 23′s continued production.

Fans, watch this space…

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