James Bond Will Be Back In 2012: Movie News

The financial saga and uncertain future of MGM and James Bond continues, but perhaps not for much longer.

With the studio finally having officially having filed for bankruptcy in preparation for its next phase of existence, MGM has begun making big plans for the return of James Bond, according to Bloomberg News.

The studio plans to shoot the next 007 film in the next two years with a release date of November 2012 being targeted. Further, MGM is reportedly planning to release a new 007 film at regular two-year intervals thereafter.

Focusing on the financial side, the studio will retain 50 percent of the rights to the 2012 film, while an equal partner will cover all production costs. Further Bond sequels will be fully owned and funded by MGM itself.

The biggest question swirling through all of this, though, is whether Daniel Craig will retain his role for the next film and for further installments.

One reason he might not come back is due to the long layoff until the next film. The other problem is whether Craig can take on the role while also being committed to all three installments of the Millennium Trilogy, which is currently in production with the first installment of "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo." If not, another Bond would obviously have to be cast, making that actor (maybe Tom Hardy? Hmmm?) the seventh official Bond.

In my opinion, there is no need for that move, at least not yet. While I think Pierce Brosnan was a worthy Bond, Craig brought a gruff, rugged and yet classic quality to the role that had been missing since the Roger Moore days. Craig revitalized the franchise, and while "Quantum of Solace" was a disappointment with critics, Craig was a disappointment with no one.

Clearly, only time will tell with what happens to this long-running series and also what will happen with Craig and his future commitments. That said, I see no reason why, with all this time leading up to production, that MGM can't figure out a way to keep their star while he also works on the hotly anticipated "Girl With the Dragon Tattoo."

Although nothing is set in stone, director Sam Mendes has long been rumored to be tapped as the director of the next Bond film, so imagine in two years if we get Craig back in the role and Mendes behind the lens? It's almost too good to be true.

Daniel Craig Replaces Downey On "Cowboys"?

Collider reports that DreamWorks Pictures and Universal Pictures are in discussions with James Bond star Daniel Craig for its comic book adaptation "Cowboys & Aliens."

If he signs, Craig would replace the just-departed Robert Downey Jr., who left the project due to scheduling issues. Jon Favreau ("Iron Man") remains attached to direct.

According to Collider: “As we reported on Monday, Robert Downey Jr. has dropped out of the adaptation of Scott Mitchell Rosenberg comic book series "Cowboys & Aliens." But now we are hearing through sources that Daniel Craig is in negotiations to replace him in the lead role of Zeke Jackson. Obviously, this would be very cool since it would be his first collaboration with Jon Favreau, who is directing the film from a script by Roberto Orci, Alex Kurtzman, and Damon Lindelof ("Lost").”

Craig would play Zeke Jackson, the lead character in a story about Apache Indians and Western settlers who must lay their differences aside when an alien spaceship crash lands in Silvery City, Arizona. Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci ("Transformers," "Star Trek") adapted the script.

Lose one franchise actor, grab another.

Craig has the chance to step out of his James Bond shoes for a while and slip into his cowboy boots. I hope he does sign on to star, because he has proved he has the talent and screen presence to handle a big-budget adaptation.

Ron Howard, Brian Grazer, Steven Spielberg and Scott Rosenberg will produce.

"Cowboys & Aliens" will be released sometime in 2011.