Next “Bond” movie sets release date

The next installment in the James Bond franchise has set a release date of November 8, 2019. This will be the 25th installment in the long-running series, although other details are yet to be locked. 

Daniel Craig, who has held a license to kill since first playing Bond in 2006's “Casino Royale”, has not been announced as being back as the British Secret Service agent, with EON Productions and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer saying casting will be announced at a later date. A director has also not been revealed. Sam Mendes helmed the previous two installments.

The script is coming from Neal Purvis and Robert Wade, who worked on Craig's four Bond films: “Casino Royale”, “Quantum of Solace”, “Skyfall” and “Spectre”. 

While the date is set, many other things about Bond 25 remain unclear. MGM and EON have no US studio partner on the movie and are in secret talks with several contenders after its four-picture deal with Sony expired with “Spectre”. Sources say Sony and Warner Bros. are vying for the rights. 

It is also unclear whether Craig will return. The actor has spoken disdainfully about continuing as Bond in the past, but more recent rumors have painted a more softened tone from the actor. Among the stars who have been seen as waiting in the wings to take on the role should Craig retire include Idris Elba, Tom Hiddleston, Damien Lewis, Tom Hardy and “The Hobbit” actor Aidan Turner.

The franchise has been very successful with Craig in the starring role. 2012's “Skyfall” earned $1.1 billion, while 2015's “Spectre” earned $880 million.

“Bond 25” will be produced by Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli. It is set to open the same day as an untitled Disney fairy tale movie.

Source: THR