Sam Mendes to direct next James Bond movie

By Matthew Belloni and Borys Kit

It's Mendes. Sam Mendes. The British helmer is in negotiations to direct the 23rd installment of the venerable James Bond franchise.

Production is being fast-tracked and could begin as early as June with an eye toward a 2011 release. Plans for the film are moving forward despite a possible sale of MGM. Sony co-produced and distributed the most recent installment of the 007 series with MGM.

Bond regulars Neal Purvis and Robert Wade are writing, along with "Frost/Nixon" scribe Peter Morgan. Michael Wilson and Barbara Broccoli are producing. Daniel Craig will reprise his role as 007.

The film will be Mendes' first action-heavy project, although his 2005 effort "Jarhead" was set amid U.S. war in Kuwait. Mendes' last directorial effort, the road-trip dramedy "Away We Go," grossed $10 million domestically last summer.

Marc Forster directed the previous Bond film, 2008's "Quantum of Solace," which grossed $586 million worldwide.

Mendes is repped by CAA.

Update: Twitter is at work naming the new Bond movie

Comments

[Shanghai sista]

honey they better tap Annie Lennox for the title song because the last bunch o' divas were NOT up to snub.

[John]

I agree. Hopefully Mendes will. Annie Lennox needs to do the next Bond song. Make it happen Mendes!

[Greg]

Sounds like a great director for the job!

[Josh]

I say Portishead for the title track. Live a little.

[Sy-Lights]

Good choice.

[Daisy Lo]

What about Don G Master?

[stryker]

Weird choice ... didn't the producers watch the appalling Jarhead? ?

[valentines day gifts]

l’m actually pleasantly surprised that it’s Mendes. I like all his films. They should have mentioned how much American Beauty earned. His latest film was indie and not widely marketed so who give’s a hoot? l hope he adds the smarts and the necessary action for 007.

[Free PS3]

Great article. Thanks for the information.

[stryker]

In response to to Valentine above, who "gives a hoot" about how much a film has earned at the box office. Box office reflects how many people went to see it, not how good it is. If we used that criteria for quality, it would mean that some crap Hollywood film would be judged better than a Godard or a Dreyer ... which is plainly ridiculous.

[Sunil]

I rarely post any comments, but I have to say that this is a superb choice! Mendes' films are always brilliant, Road to Perdition and Revolutionary Road are my favourites. He always manages to bring out the best performances from his actors. And appears to be very pragmatic and meticulous in his approach to new projects, so anticipating much of the same here. Can't wait!

[Eriki]

It's a little strange to see a director who has been characterized by dramatic movies make a film about James Bond. Mr. Mendes please, do not forget the action. Good luck!

[e cigarettes]

Nice i love his past movies... Serious directing skillz!

[ecirhtbackwards]

Anyone think it'll be like these?
http://www.televisionwithoutpity.com/mwop/moviefile/2010/01/james-bond-how-sam-mendes-will.php

ha! I'm excited to see how it turns out!

[Eventi]

best of luck to him! what an awesome assignment

[8gb usb flash drive]

Hi guy's,
His latest film was indie and not widely marketed so who give’s a hoot? l hope he adds the smarts and the necessary action for 007.

[Electronic Cigarette]

This film is going to be awesome.

Your girl Mary :)

[Acai Optimum]

I think he's the right director for this job. The movie should be crazy good. I'm just wondering who's going to play bond now.

[Cho Yung Tea]

l’m actually pleasantly surprised that it’s Mendes. I like all his films.