The BOND 23 Upswing: Sam Mendes in Negotiations to Direct

Sometimes the trajectory for a project changes just that quickly.   Earlier today, it was being reported around the web (including here) that pre-production on BOND 23 was being halted due to MGM’s ongoing sale.   Actual production on the film was being guesstimated at anywhere from the middle of 2010 to the very end of the year.

Now, according to Heat Vision Blog, this same film has gotten its hands wrapped around a director, and it’s a score.   Sam Mendes is reportedly in negotiations to helm the 23rd film in the James Bond franchise, as yet untitled.   As if you didn’t already know, Mendes has directed such recent, instant classics as AMERICAN BEAUTY, ROAD TO PERDITION, JARHEAD, REVOLUTIONARY ROAD, and AWAY WE GO.

Heat Vision is also reporting that production on the film is being fast-tracked with filming set to begin as early as June with an aim for release in 2011.   This is a far cry the reluctant track the film seemed to be on earlier in the day.

Now for a bit of commentary on the Mendes choice.   I remember being blown away by the thought of Marc Forster helming a James Bond film.   He had such a keen eye in every one of his projects that it seemed like a solid marriage.   Unfortunately, Forster had never directed an action film, and this was heavily noticed in QUANTUM OF SOLACE, a film that felt more like a Jason Bourne ripoff than a James Bond entry.   The fact that Sam Mendes has never done an action film makes me a little nervous as to how well this new film will play.   Nonetheless, I have confidence both in Mendes’ work and in what screenwriters Peter Morgan, Neal Purvis and Robert Wade have in store.

With a director attached, expect a release date and start of production to be announced any day now.