Aside from all of the troubles surrounding The Hobbit, the other franchise being affected by all of the issues that MGM has been going through is the James Bond franchise.
Back in April, we were informed that production on James Bond 23 was being put on hold indefinitely until issues surrounding the studio could be remedied. Now that indefiniteness is looking a little more infinite. According to AICN, the new James Bond is not on hold anymore, but now looks like the production has been completely killed off.
This would be devastating to fans of the franchise because it was shaping up to have all kinds of potential. Star Daniel Craig was set to return, a new and intriguing director in Sam Mendes (American Beauty, Road to Perdition) was locked in, and a solid writer in Peter Morgan (Frost/Nixon) had script duties. With the news that the project is dead in the water, all of them will move on to other films that they have lined up.
Does this mean we’ll never see James Bond again? No, not at all; James Bond will never ever die — that’s just the nature of the franchise. Nonetheless, no one knows when all this drama will be taken care of, and until that day, they had no choice but to throw it all away.
When the opportunity arises, they’ll likely go back out to cast and crew and see where things stand, but by that time there’s a real chance that a whole new group will have to be hired. And that would include Daniel Craig, who is a favorite among all of the Bonds.
Sell the rights people or take on someone who’s willing to split the rights? Bond movies need to be made to be made, but if they stop, like idiots, then we’re losing out on a solid actor that brought a tougher Bond back to the big screen. If they loose this grip then just sell, sell, sell, and start over at a new studio.
Comment by phil — July 7, 2010 @ 8:20 am
Thank goodness Daniel Craig is out as Bond. He was so wrong for the part. Bond has always been sexy, sauve & intellegent with an understated bit of danger. Daniel Craig might try playing a street thug ot gangster. That is the look he projects. Keep looking for a better Bond. Tall Dark Handsome and Sexy.
Comment by Sheery Regalado — July 7, 2010 @ 9:32 am
The last Bond was Die Another Day.
Comment by facepalm — July 7, 2010 @ 11:09 am
I think Craig Daniel was more in shape and ready for anything coming his way. a darker but smoother James if you ask me! Sean Connery will always be the originator of James Bond. But Craig Did A Fantastic Job! If He Does Not Do Anymore James Bond Movies At least Finish The Trilogy!? Forget That Wimpy Sexy Shi*** And Bring Back The Action! You Women Can Go And Replay Those late James Bond Movies and masturbate. While real movie fanatics (die hard fans) enjoy upgraded james bond movies!
Comment by brodrick thompson — August 8, 2010 @ 9:39 pm
The latest Bonds, with Craig, have taken their place amongst the dumbest. I don’t say it’s Craig’s fault but the Bond he projects has little of the sense of fun or sophistication that, (allowing for the times) was inherent in the original. The present Bond is more thug-like–a video game spawn. The series seems to keep going on little more than a momentum which seems allied to ritual.
Comment by Nabi — November 5, 2010 @ 7:07 pm