It’s always slightly annoying when someone gives out a juciy titbit of information but won’t reveal any more details. However that’s what Bond 23 screenwriter Peter Morgan has been doing. Morgan, best known for his work on the likes of The Queen, has been working with Quantum Of Solace screenwriter Neal Purvis and Robert Wade on the script for the next James Bond movie.
Mi6 caught up with Morgan, and he promised them that the next Bond film will be “a shocking story”, however he declined to say exactly what about the movie will be shocking. He’s been sworn to secrecy, and admits he’s finding the whole interest in what’s going to happen in the new Bond movie a bit strange. He says, “Bond creates a hysteria around it, one that I haven’t previous known… It’s a magnet for publicity – everyone wants to know what’s going on with the new Bond”.
Hmm, so what could be shocking? Will Bond die (unlikely)? Is Vesper actually alive (possible)? Is it going to be revealed that Bond is actually a timelord like Doctor Who and the reason he’s been played by so many actors is because he’s been regenerating (probably not)?
Although work is continuing on the script, the rest of pre-production on the movie has been put on hold while MGM tries to sort out its financial woes and finds a new buyer. However, whoever does end up in control of the company (a deal is expected by February), will likely want to put a new Bond film in cinemas as soon as humanly possible, as it’s by far the most valuable franchise the studio owns and the best way for the new owners to get some return on their investment. Filming is expected to begin at the end of next year, with the movie coming out late 2011.