MGM and Eon Productions actively seeking distribution partner for next James Bond film.
MGM and Eon Productions are being pitched by five different studios, at least if a report in the New York Post is correct. The piece is based on information provided by five anonymous sources.
The James Bond series is currently without a distribution partner after the deal with Sony expired after SPECTRE (2015). The Japanese giant came on board the Bond series with Casino Royale (2006) for a two picture deal that was renewed after Quantum of Solace (2008). Currently MGM/Eon are seeking a one picture deal.
Apparently Sony pitched MGM/Eon on Tuesday in style. According to the New York Times:
Sony gave its presentation inside a sound stage on a recreated set from “Dr. No,” which was released in the United States in 1963 by United Artists and laid the foundation for the entire series.
The other studios vying for the right to distribute Bond are:
- Warner Bros
- Universal Pictures
- 20th Century Fox
- Annapurna
The author notes that although the Bond series is prestigious, it pays relatively little. Under the deal with Sony they payed half of the production costs in return for a quarter of the profit. Still, it is a solid bet and likely to deliver for whoever they partner with.
Furthermore casting has not been discussed during these meetings, suggesting Daniel Craig still has not committed to the next film.
Key takeaways
- Five studios are vying for the rights to distribute the next Bond film only.
- Meetings have already taken place in which the studios pitch MGM/Eon.
- Daniel Craig has not yet committed to returning as 007 in Bond 25.
If all this turns out to be true, or a large part of it at the very least, it suggests that MGM and Eon Productions are going full steam ahead with Bond 25 at the moment. It could be that the next bond movie starts shooting at the end of this year after all, for release in late 2018.
Source: New York Times
