New “James Bond” movie on hold

007 producers, Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli of EON Productions, have announced they have suspended development on the next “James Bond” film previously scheduled for release 2011/2012, according to a news release.

“Due to the continuing uncertainty surrounding the future of MGM and the failure to close a sale of the studio, we have suspended development on BOND 23 indefinitely. We do not know when development will resume and do not have a date for the release of BOND 23,” stated Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli jointly in the news release.

EON Productions have produced 22 James Bond films since 1962. In 1995, Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli took over the 007 franchise from Albert R ‘Cubby’ Broccoli and are responsible for producing the sucessful Bond films, “Casino Royale” and “Quantum of Solace.”

Sam Mendes, the director of the films, “American Beauty,” “Jarhead” and “Away We Go,” was slated to direct the film, which would have seen the return of Daniel Craig to the role as James Bond. Rachel Weisz (“The Fountain,” “The Constant Gardener” and “The Brothers Bloom”) was rumored to be attached to the film, according to the Internet Movie Database.