A couple of days ago we told you that the next James Bond film was looking uncertain due to financial difficulties at MGM (the studio is apparently being sold). However, now The Age newspaper is quoting a studio "insider", who claims the 23rd James Bond movie is back on track and will be filmed in 3D. The "insider" revealed that:

"The 23rd Bond movie has been put back a few months and that has given them the time to prepare to film it in 3D. Everyone involved in the project is really excited because it will take the franchise in a new direction."

Previously producer Michael G. Wilson had said that: "Our timeline's a little up in the air, so we have to be flexible. We just don't know enough about the situation to comment, but we know it's uncertain."

Director Sam Mendes, best known for his Oscar winning film American Beauty, is expected to direct. The director's publicist confirmed that Mendes had met representatives of the Bond franchise to discuss the possibility, but nothing has been finalised.

This seems to tie in with movie news regarding the Darren Aronofsky Robocop remake. Interestingly, Cinema Blend and Moviehole recently reported that Darren Aronofsky had refused to do the upcoming Robocop remake in 3D. MGM was keen, but Aronofsky said he wasn't a fan of "digital bullshit" and wants to do everything organically as he did in The Fountain, so the Robocop remake is now on hold.

Looks like current MGM studio heads are very keen to be making all their new movies in 3D. Perhaps this is part of the Avatar ripple effect? Now that Cameron's 3D Avatar has been so successful, everyone wants in on the action (and hopefully the profits)?.

The Internet Movie Database gives the 23rd James Bond film starring Daniel Craig a release date of 18 November, 2011.