Bond 24 Set To Shoot In December

After some well-reported behind the scenes problems, it looks like principal photography on the next James Bond movie has a start date in sight at last.

According to Bond fan site MI6, director Sam Mendes’ follow-up to ‘Skyfall’ will go before the cameras on the 6th of December, with a cast read-through of the screenplay planned beforehand in November, at Pinewood Studios.

Earlier this year, new M actor Ralph Fiennes had claimed the as-yet untitled film was set to shoot this October. Since then, production has been delayed by last-minute revisions to John Logan’s script, with seasoned Bond writers Neal Purvis and Robert Wade brought back in to help out.

However, the planned release date of 23 October 2015 has not changed.

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The next film in the long-running spy series remains shrouded in mystery. It will be Daniel Craig’s fourth outing in the role, and will also see the return of Fiennes as M, Ben Whishaw as Q and Naomie Harris as Miss Moneypenny. MI6 also state the Rory Kinnear will return as M’s right hand man Bill Tanner.

No other casting has been confirmed thus far. Early rumours of Penelope Cruz’s involvement would appear to have been debunked, whilst word that Chiwetel Ejiofor may be in line to play the villain remains unsubstantiated.

Various European actresses have also been reported to be in line for a supporting Scandinavian love interest role, the most recent rumoured contender being Lea Seydoux.

However, it is reported that the principal ‘Bond girl’ role is intended for an as-yet unknown English actress. There is also word that a ‘classic physically imposing character’ may make a return to the series to do battle with Bond.

Locations for the film are said to include Austria, Rome and possibly Morocco.

Photo credit: MGM/Eon Productions