Sam Mendes Signed For Bond 23?

Sam Mendes is in negotiations to direct the 23rd installment in the popular James Bond franchise, according to The Hollywood Reporter. News broke just hours ago that the British director was in discussions to direct the pic with EON heads, Michael Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, despite the well publicized financial troubles of Bond’s parent company, MGM.

According to THR’s sources, production is being fast tracked for the pic, expected to be the third outing for latest Bond, Daniel Craig, with production starting as early as June aiming for a 2011 release date. Sony co-produced and distributed The Quantum of Solace, the most recent Bond film and so are likely contenders to pick up the rights when they come up for sale.

Neal Purvis and Robert Wade are penning the script along with “Frost/Nixon” scribe, Peter Morgan and Michael Wilson and Barbara Broccoli will reprise production duties.

Despite the mixed critical reaction that Quantum of Solace received upon release in 2008, it was by far one of my favourite Bond films in recent years. However with MGM’s fate currently hanging in the balance it does sound a little ambitious that EON are plowing ahead with the 23rd installment in the iconic franchise. Here’s hoping it goes as planned, I’ll certainly be updating you as more emerges!