Sony Pictures co-financing and distributing BOND 23 and 24

Bond 23 will be co-financed and distributed by Sony Pictures Entertainment. The studio reached an agreement with MGM, and announced today by MGM Co-Chairmen and Chief Executive Officers Gary Barber and Roger Birnbaum and Sony Pictures Chairman and CEO Michael Lynton and Co-Chairman Amy Pascal. The next film in the franchise is set for release on November 9, 2012 all over the world except for select International territories, where MGM will directly oversee distribution. The two studios revealed that they plan to do the same with Bond 24.  

MGM and Sony Pictures also agreed to explore co-financing opportunities on more films produced by each of the respective studios over the next five years. The studios have been collaborating lately on films, including Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace, 21, Yours, Mine and Ours, The Pink Panther, and the upcoming Kevin James comedy Zookeeper. 

The agreement on Bond 23 adds another high-profile title to Sony’s 2012 slate, which also includes Men in Black III and The Amazing Spider-Man, as well as I Hate You, Dad, starring Adam Sandler, Here Comes the Boom, starring Kevin James, 21 Jump Street, Resident Evil 5 and Total Recall.

Here is what Barber and Birnbaum had to say:

"Sony Pictures is the ideal studio partner for us as MGM re-enters the filmmaking business. We have longstanding relationships with Michael and Amy and look forward to what promises to be a prosperous future together."

Lynton went on to say:

"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. 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."

Here is an excerpt from Pascal's statement:

"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 and MGM."

This deal has lot's of potential to bring in some big box office dollars. Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace had record-high grosses for the Bond franchise, with Casino Royale taking in $599 million in worldwide ticket sales and Quantum of Solace generating $577 million. 

I find it interesting that there is no mention of Sam Mendes, who has been attached to direct Bond 23 for a while. I wonder if this means Mendes is out? I have seen all of the Bond films in the franchise and have so many memories of watching them during the many TV marathons over the years. My favorite Bond's have been Sean Connery, George Lazenby (even though he was only in one film) and Daniel Craig. 

What are your thoughts on this news? Who is your favorite Bond?