Picture the scene… MI6’s finest has just penetrated the deepest layer of the latest baddie’s hidden base, only to have the floor drop from beneath him and find himself tumbling into a pit that is home to a lion fitted with electro-claws. That’s the state that the **Bond **franchise finds itself in, as the financial issues surrounding MGM have now led to an indefinite delay.
EON productions’ Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli put out a joint statement today (grabbed by Coming Soon) that will stab at the heart of all Bond fans waiting for the next installment.
"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 the film."
So all the casting rumours and script development has been for nought as of now, because the franchise is basically tied to a chair having its nether regions pummelled with a knotted rope. And Sam Mendes will have to go and find something else to direct.
Will it come back? Of course – Bond is still a hefty money-maker and whoever grabs up MGM and the rights to co-produce and distribute the franchise would be mad to let it lie idle when Casino Royale and even the lesser Quantum Of Solace performed so well at the box office.
A bigger question is, does this mean The Hobbit, which is currently in a holding pattern awaiting the big green light, will also get lost in limbo?