We didn’t think it could be done, frankly, but it’s official: “Trainspotting” filmmaker Danny Boyle will direct the Bond 25 film starring Daniel Craig. John Hodge, who wrote the screenplay to “Trainspotting” “Shallow Grave” and “The Beach” is writing the script. Furthermore, distribution for the film has been finalized. Universal Pictures will launch the film internationally. Domestically, MGM will release the film theatrically through a new partnership with Annapurna Pictures. The film is due in theaters in the U.K. on October 25, 2019, one week before it’ll hit in the U.S. (November 9, 2019).
Boyle will have his work cut out for him in the next year. He’s been shooting his Untitled Richard Curtis musical this year starring Lily James, Ana de Armas and, Kate McKinnon and its due September 13, 2019. How he’s supposed to shoot, edit and finish two films coming out within less than two months of each other is beyond me and it’s astonishing frankly. Perhaps others will take over the post-production of the musical, but who knows. The film is said to be Daniel Craig’s last time in the 007 role.
Here’s the press release.
EON Productions and Metro Goldwyn Mayer Studios (MGM) have reached an agreement with Universal Pictures to partner on the worldwide release of the 25th James Bond film, it was announced today by EON Productions’ Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, MGM’s Chairman of the Board of Directors, Kevin Ulrich and President, Motion Picture Group, Jonathan Glickman, and Chairman of Universal Pictures, Donna Langley.
Daniel Craig will return as 007, the legendary British secret agent, and Academy Award®-winning director Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire, Steve Jobs) will direct from an original screenplay by Academy Award® nominee John Hodge (Trainspotting).
Production on Bond 25 is set to begin December 3, 2018. MGM will release the film theatrically in the U.S. on November 8, 2019 through its new joint venture for domestic theatrical distribution with Annapurna Pictures, and Universal will release internationally commencing with a traditional earlier release in the U.K. on October 25, 2019.
Under this arrangement, MGM will retain digital and worldwide television distribution rights. Universal will also handle physical home entertainment distribution.
Wilson and Broccoli commented, “We are delighted to announce that the exceptionally talented Danny Boyle will be directing Daniel Craig in his fifth outing as James Bond in the 25th installment of the franchise. We will begin shooting Bond 25 at Pinewood Studios in December with our partners at MGM and thrilled that Universal will be our international distributor.”
“Under the leadership of Michael and Barbara, we couldn’t be more thrilled than to bring the next 007 adventure to the big screen uniting the incomparable Daniel Craig with the extraordinary vision of Danny Boyle,” said Ulrich. Glickman added, “It has been 16 years since Die Another Day was distributed by MGM and it’s incredibly gratifying to be releasing this film alongside the powerhouse team at Universal.”