James Bond film back on track?

Daniel Craig could return as James Bond in the upcoming installment of the franchise, following reports that the latest 007 film is back on track.

Sam Mendes has pulled out of negotiations to direct futuristic thriller The Hunger Games because MGM are ready to move forward with production on Bond 23.

According to Deadline Hollywood, the shooting for the movie could begin by late summer or early autumn 2011. Earlier, the Bond flick was put on indefinite hold, with EON Productions blaming the financial difficulties of MGM studios, which is reported to have a 3.7 billion-dollar debt, reports the Mirror.

MGM announced this week that its lenders have agreed to extend the company's debt repayment period further.

The studio, which also has a stake in the forthcoming Hobbit movie, is going through a pre-packaged bankruptcy before Spyglass takes over.

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Bank of America upset with Sam Mendes?

The Bank Of America is allegedly upset with Sam Mendes for supposedly ignoring US playwrights in his transatlantic Bridge Project theatrical enterprise.

According to the Evening Standard, executives at the financial institution, which sponsors the project, are unhappy with its direction.

A bank source told the newspaper: "There is increasing feeling among the bank's personnel that Sam can't continue to neglect American playwrights at the Bridge.

"He did Chekhov and Shakespeare in the first year and As You Like It and The Tempest in the second."

They added: "We understand that Sam's philosophy is to make his films in America and his plays British. Our philosophy is we've given the Bridge Project $3 million."

The Bank of America is two years into its three-year sponsorship deal for the project, which is currently on international tour before its residency at the Old Vic this summer.

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Sam Mendes to direct next Bond movie?

Oscar-winning director Sam Mendes is said to be set to wield the megaphone for the 23rd instalment of the James Bond franchise.

The British director, married to Kate Winslet, is rumoured to be the front-runner to take charge of the next instalment of the spy franchise that will have Daniel Craig in the lead, reports imdb.com.

"Sam is one of the best directors around. His work on 'American Beauty' and 'Road to Perdition' suggest he could add even more realism to the character following on from the new direction Bond has taken over the last two films ('Casino Royale' and 'Quantum of Solace')," said a source.

The yet-untitled film will once again see Craig as Bond, while Michael Sheen may feature as notorious villain Blofeld. "Slumdog Millionaire" star Freida Pinto is being considered as the secret agent's love interest.

It has also been reported that singing sensation Susan Boyle could be recording the theme song.

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