Bond 23 stalled indefinitely

James Bond has a new enemy and its name is MGM uncertainty. I know, not exactly devious, but just as formidable as a Goldfinger or Blofeld.

Producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli released a statement earlier today that production on the next film, once scheduled for late 2011, will be halted until the future of MGM is solidified. A sale of the once-king studio has been expected for some time, but continued delay on that transaction has clearly begun to interfere with the production schedule.

The film would be the third go-around as Bond for Daniel Craig, who along with writers Neal Purvis and Robert Wade helped re-imagine a grittier James Bond starting with 2006’s “Casino Royale” and 2008’s “Quantum of Solace.” Acclaimed “American Beauty” and “Road to Perdition” director Sam Mendes was set to the direct the film and Rachel Weisz was rumored to co-star.

Mendes has left the adaptation of Garth Ennis’ comic “The Preacher” to helm Bond 23, now there’s no certainty as to his next move.

It’s certainly depressing to know there’s a good chance we’ll see at least four years between Bond films, but my bigger concern is what would happen should Mendes abandon the project entirely because he won’t wait around. It would be a shame if he moved on to a new project and the suddenly MGM was bought and Bond 23 is ready to move forward and Broccoli and Wilson can’t wait for him.