Sam Mendes is on the verge of signing for Bond 23 according to the Hollywood Reporter and reported on MI6 with production possibly starting as early as June, contradicting reports earlier this week that work on the film was on hold due to the sale of MGM.
Mendes’ best known film to date is American Beauty, but he previously worked with Daniel Craig on Road to Perdition. According to Deadline Hollywood the director is being hired as a consultant, with Daniel Craig insisting on Mendes coming on board to avoid a re-run of Quantum of Solace.
While it is likely that if negotiations are completed he will direct Bond 23 it appears that his employment as a consultant is to avoid triggering a payment from MGM, which they want to avoid – with MGM’s future in doubt they may want to take the Bond series to another studio and therefore avoid any complications of ownership.
