It seems the troubled Bond franchise has been dealt another blow with Barabara Broccoli, daughter of former Bond producer Cubby, and MGM wrangling over the direction of the next film, "Bond 21".
Like the most recent Bond actor Pierce Brosnan, Broccoli want the franchise to return to a plot and character driven formula, with more intelligent dialogue and a serious tone.
However, MGM wants to maximize revenue on the cash cow and stick to the ever more spectacular stunts and effects.
This arguing together with the lack of director or indeed an actor to play 007 means that the next movie looks some time off. A source close to the production is quoted as saying "The Broccoli camp believe they are the keepers of an untouchable tradition, and the money men want their megabucks."
The latest film was due to be released this November but now observers think it will be sometime in 2006 and that is if they can settle differences.
Brosnan has been cagey first ruling himself out then saying he might come back if the direction of the films changed. Other potential Bonds include Clive Owen and Jude Law, with speculation rife.
Yesterday it was reported that director Martin Campbell had signed on to helm the next movie, but that has yet to be confirmed.
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