Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, producers of the James Bond films, and MGM announced that Martin Campbell will direct CASINO ROYALE, the 21st film in the 007 franchise. This is Campbell's second time as helmer of a James Bond film. In 1995 he directed the hit GOLDENEYE, which introduced Pierce Brosnan to the role of 007.
Wilson and Broccoli said, "We are thrilled that Martin has accepted our offer to direct CASINO ROYALE. He is an extremely talented director and we believe he will help take our films in a new and exciting direction. He is currently finishing filming LEGEND OF ZORRO, the sequel to THE MASK OF ZORRO, and will be joining EON Prods. shortly to work on the development of the script with our writers, Neal Purvis and Robert Wade."
MGM vice chairman/coo Chris McGurk said, "Martin is an incredibly exciting filmmaker. GOLDENEYE is a wonderful movie and helped reinvigorate the Bond franchise. We're thrilled to have him back to direct the newest Bond."
CASINO ROYALE will be released in 2006 and distributed worldwide by MGM. No decision has yet been made regarding casting for the role of James Bond.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
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