MGM Studios to Strike Sets Forever?

MGM has been in a protracted battle to stay alive and keep the creditors at bay. But is this PR release from EON Productions is any indication things might be more woeful than expected –

LONDON, April 19, 2010 /PRNewswire/ — 007 producers, Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli of EON Productions, today announced they have suspended development on the next James Bond film previously scheduled for release 2011/2012.

“Due to the continuing uncertainty surrounding the future of MGM and the failure to close a sale of the studio, we have suspended development on BOND 23 indefinitely. We do not know when development will resume and do not have a date for the release of BOND 23,” stated Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli jointly.

EON Productions have produced twenty two James Bond films since 1962. In 1995, Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli took over the 007 franchise from Albert R ‘Cubby’ Broccoli and are responsible for producing some of the most successful James Bond films ever, including CASINO ROYALE and more recently QUANTUM OF SOLACE. The James Bond franchise is the longest running in film history. EON Productions and Danjaq LLC are affiliate companies and control all worldwide merchandising for James Bond.

The time must be neigh for this venerable studio if production companies are hedging their bets as to whether MGM shutters doors or not. You see, once you commit to certain contractual obligations then you are tied to the studio, and ultimately tied to any bankruptcy settlement that results. EON like others would rather avoid that altogether, hence the halt in production of the latest Bond film.

Samuel B. is probably spinning in his grave.