
After what seemed like a back-and-forth of yeses and noes, Sam Mendes has finalized a deal with Sony Pictures to direct the untitled James Bond 24 with Daniel Craig returning once again to star.
The announcement was made earlier today, and Skyfall screenplay writer John Logan will return to pen the script. The studio also announced October 23, 2015 release date for the UK and November 6, 2015 release dates for the US. That means that Bond 24 would be opening up against Edgar Wright’s Ant-Man. With those two pics opening up against each other, Disney will most likely switch the release date so that it won’t be in direct competition with such a heavy hitter.
Producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli of EON Productions said:
“Following the extraordinary success of SKYFALL, we’re really excited to be working once again with Daniel Craig, Sam Mendes and John Logan.”
Mendes added,
“I am very pleased that by giving me the time I need to honour all my theatre commitments, the producers have made it possible for me to direct Bond 24. I very much look forward to taking up the reins again, and to working with Daniel Craig, Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli for a second time.”
Other directs that were rumored to be in consideration were Christopher Nolan, Ang Lee, Tom Hooper, David Yates, Nicolas Winding Refn, and Shane Black. While Nolan would not be able to direct because of his commitment to directing Interstellar, there is a possibility that he could direct Bond 25. But we will leave that story for another time.
It should be noted that this is the first time that a director has helmed two-Bond films.
The plot of the film remains under wraps. There was speculation that the film would be a two-parter, but that rumor was quickly squashed by Craig himself.
[Source: Sony Pictures]
Never in a million years would I want to see a Nolan Bond Film, but I’m gonna be hoping against hope that Nicolas Winding Ref gets to direct one eventually.
Comment by Kevin Smith — July 11, 2013 @ 6:08 pm
Craig is a horrible Bond. He’s the one we need replaced.
Comment by UNCARING1 — July 12, 2013 @ 1:21 am