Sam Mendes talks Bond 23, acting friend lobbies for part

Director Sam Mendes, who is in talks to board Bond 23, has spoken briefly about his situation and the state of the next James Bond film.

When asked by the WSJ if it's true that his is directing Daniel Craig's third outing as 007, Mendes said "It's only speculation and, you know, at the moment there isn't even a studio to make the James Bond movie, because MGM is for sale."

As MI6 previously reported, EON is looking to bring Mendes on board as a 'consultant' for now, to avoid a contractual payment trigger from MGM.


Above: Sam Mendes

Meanwhile, actor Simon Russell Beale is planning a production of King Lear in the next few years with his old friend Sam Mendes, according to the Independent. Would Beale like a part in Bond 23? "YES!" he bellows, "Of course! Every actor wants to be in Bond. I'd love to be a baddie. I saw Sam just before Christmas and dropped a hint � and he just looked wearily at me."

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