Only yesterday (largely because it was a slow news day), the trade papers were reporting old news that the 23rd Bond movie had been put on hold until after MGM had sorted out its financial trouble. It was a bit of a non-story, as it had been reported weeks ago and was pretty much inevitable, as it’s not like MGM could go forward with a $100 million+ movie when it has no cash and new people are likely to be in charge before production begins anyway.
However it appears that while they can’t actually make the movie yet, it doesn’t mean they can’t prepare – after all, it’s not like whoever ends up owning the Bond franchise won’t want to make another 007 movie. The latest report is that Sam Mendes, helmer of American Beauty and Revolutionary Road ,is in talks to direct the film.
MGM has yet to confirm the Mendes reports that appeared in The Hollywood Reporter, but it appears that as with Marc Forster directing Quantum Of Solace, the people behind the film are once more looking for a serious director, who will break out of their comfort zone by making a Bond flick. After all, 007 is’t quite like anything Mendes has touched before, although he’s got to close to a full-on action flick with both Road To Perdition and Jarhead.
All MGM is currently saying is that plans for Bond 23 are moving forward, with production possibly beginning as early as June, but because of the studio’s precarious financial situation the film’s timeline is slightly up in the air.
To be honest, I reckon Mendes is a pretty good choice, as he’ll certainly be able to keep the more serious, emotionally heacy tone of the past couple of Bond flicks, while also showing off plenty of filmmaking flair. What do you think?