Pierce Brosnan back in talks with Eon for James Bond 21 according to latest rumours

15-Sep-2004 • Casino Royale

There might be a sliver of light at the end of the Pierce Brosnan "will he, won't he?" Bond 21 saga today.

Last week Brosnan left the door open for a return as he denied he ever officially stepped down from his role as 007, slamming the Entertainment Weekly "announcement" a mis-quote.

Now with the news that MGM have accepted the buyout proposal from Sony - a deal worth $2.85 billion cash - the Bond 21 hiatus might be over.

The latest rumours from the inner circle claim that Brosnan is back in talks with Eon Productions to come back for a fifth outing as 007. Brosnan has said on numerous occasions that he wanted a fifth and final film. His original contract for "three films and an option for a fourth" expired with 2002's "Die Another Day".

Brosnan has always wanted five

Earlier this year a media frenzy falsely claimed Brosnan had been "fired" from his role for being too old - despite not having a contract to be sacked from.

As revealed by MI6 yesterday, the Sony buyout might take up to six months to complete due to complicated legal processes. Up until that time, Sony and MGM may have to operate independently. The deal calls for the James Bond franchise to be dealt with specially, and Sony are said to be in discussions with Eon Productions to iron out a road map for future 007 productions.

Concerns that Brosnan's pay request for donning the tuxedo a fifth time was too high for Eon and MGM may now be past history with Sony controlling the purse strings for Bond 21.

Thanks to `Cindy` for the alert.