NEWS | Craig Back for Bond

Bond franchise producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli are apparently very happy with the result of slapping a martini in Daniel Craig's one hand and a gun in the other for CASINO ROYALE because they have confirmed that the star will be returning as Agent 007 for the tentatively titled BOND 22, for which NOTTING HILL director Roger Mitchell is still in negotations. The project would be a reunion for Craig and Mitchell after 2004's thriller ENDURING LOVE. About the next movie, Wilson and Broccoli say, "As we wrap production on 'Casino Royale,' we couldn't be more excited about the direction the franchise is heading with Daniel Craig," which they describe as "darker and edgier". Keep in mind that this next bond movie, which already has a release date of May 2, 2008 (going against IRON MAN), will reportedly be an original one not from the novels, à la GOLDENEYE. CASINO ROYALE opens November 17th.