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Mendes takes 007 reins

(Agencies)
Updated: 2010-01-07 15:29

 

It's Mendes. Sam Mendes. The British director is in talks to direct the 23rd film in the venerable James Bond spy movie franchise. Production could begin as early as June with an eye toward a 2011 release date.

Daniel Craig will reprise his role as British secret agent 007 after winning over fans playing Bond previously in Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace.

The Bond film will be Mendes' first action-heavy project, although his 2005 movie Jarhead was set amid the US-led war in Kuwait. Mendes, the husband of actress Kate Winslet, is better known for dramas such as Revolutionary Road and American Beauty, which earned him the Best Director Oscar.

Bond regulars Neal Purvis and Robert Wade are writing a screenplay along with Frost/Nixon screenwriter Peter Morgan. Michael Wilson and Barbara Broccoli are producing.