With Sony’s deal having expired with the release of Spectre, it seems that Bond 25 is closing in on a new distribution deal, with Deadline reporting that MGM and Annapurna Pictures are close to announcing that they will team on the U.S. release of the next instalment in the long-running spy saga.
The outlet reports that producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson are calling the shots alongside Gary Barber of MGM, with Erik Lomis executing the domestic distribution and Marc Weinstock the marketing for the domestic release.
However, it’s also said that EON is looking for a more established partner for international distribution, which accounts for around 70% of Bond’s typical box office, and that Sony, Warner Bros. and Universal are battling hard for those rights.
SEE ALSO: Christoph Waltz suggests Blofeld has been recast for Bond 25
Bond 25 will see Daniel Craig returning for his fifth and final outing as 007. As yet, there’s been no word on a director for the next instalment, although Yann Demange (’71), David Mackenzie (Hell or High Water) and Denis Villeneuve (Blade Runner 2049) are said to be high on the shortlist. Just this weekend, Villeneuve said that he is very interested in the job, although is priority at present is his planned adaptation of Frank Herbert’s Dune.
