Bond 23 Will Be Titled ‘Skyfall’

The title of iconic movie spy James Bond‘s 23rd theatrical adventure will be titled “Skyfall.” Producers Barbara Broccoliand Michael G. Wilson made the official announcement this morning along with director Sam Mendes and the principal cast, including star Daniel Craig.It was a ceremony of confirmations for the most part, as earlier reports revealed that MGM and Sony had been registering domain names with “Skyfall” in them, not to mention every star that Mendes introduced had already hit news wires: Judi Dench, Naomie Harris, Bérénice Marlohe and Javier Bardem. The only slight surprise came from Harris, who had been long-rumored to play Moneypenny, but instead referred to herself as “a field agent called Eve.”

As for the story of “Skyfall,” the official press release has a brief description:

“Bond’s loyalty to M is tested to the full as her past comes back to haunt her. As M16 comes under attack, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost.”

Mendes praised the script from Neal Purvis, Robert Wade and John Logan, and said it’s not based on any previous Bond material and will serve as a stand-alone film. In other words, no continuation of the QUANTUM business from “Casino Royale” and “Quantum of Solace,” despite Purvis and Wade having written those films. Bardem will indeed play the film’s central villain, and Marlohe described her Bond girl as “a glamorous, enigmatic character.” Aren’t they all?

As for speculation — and to not give up on the rumor mill — given the last two films have “rebooted” Bond, Harris’ “Eve” could be an origin story for Moneypenny.

Unable to attend the press conference but confirmed for the film were Ralph Fiennes, Albert Finney and Ben Whishsaw in parts that Mendes was not willing to disclose.

We’ve also no indication as to who will be playing Chicken Little in “Skyfall.”

“Skyfall” will begin principal photography on Monday. Filming locations include Whitehall (Britain’s governmental district), Shanghai and other parts of China, Istanbul and remote parts of Scotland. The film arrives in the U.S. on November 9, 2012.

Thanks to Empire for the coverage.