It has been announced by Sony Pictures Entertainment and MGM that they will co-finance, market and distribute the upcoming 23rd James Bond movie worldwide. The film is set for release on November 9th, 2012, through Sony, except for select international territories, in which MGM will oversee distribution. The studios have also struck a similar deal for Bond 24.
In addition to the Bond co-financing and marketing agreement, MGM and Sony Pictures have also agreed to look into the possibility for other joint ventures for the next five years. The next Bond film will be the latest project the studios have collaborated on, and it will join titles such as “Casino Royale,” “Quantum of Solace,” “21,” “Yours, Mine and Ours,” “The Pink Panther,” and the recently announced Kevin James vehicle “Zookeeper.”
Bond 23 marks another potential blockbuster to be released by Sony in 2012; other titles include “Men in Black 3,” “The Amazing Spider-Man,” “I Hate You, Dad,” starring Adam Sandler, “Here Comes the Boom,” starring Kevin James, “21 Jump Street,” “Resident Evil 5,” and “Total Recall.”
“Sony Pictures is the ideal studio partner for us as MGM re-enters the filmmaking business. We have longstanding relationships with (Sony Pictures Chairman and CEO) Michael Lynton and (Co-Chairman) Amy Pascal and look forward to what promises to be a prosperous future together,” said MGM Co-Chairmen and Chief Executive Officers Gary Barber and Roger Birnbaum.
“In addition to working together on Bond, this deal expands our relationship with MGM as we explore co-financing opportunities on other high-profile projects,” Lynton said. “Gary and Roger are incredibly thoughtful and experienced leaders who are outstanding creative executives and respected moviemakers. While we are excited to be back in the Bond business, we also look forward to future collaborations and I am confident that this agreement will be long-term, lucrative, and beneficial to both studios.”
“After successfully working on the re-launch of the James Bond franchise with ‘Casino Royale’ and ‘Quantum of Solace,’ we could not be more proud or privileged to continue our association with Barbara Broccoli, Michael G. Wilson, Daniel Craig, and the talented teams at EON (the production company behind the Bond franchise) and MGM,” said Pascal.
“Casino Royale” made $599 million for Sony and “Quantum of Solace” took home $577 million in worldwide ticket sales, record high marks for the Bond franchise.
