Fox and MGM deny distribution rumours

08-Oct-2009 • Skyfall

Contrary to reports, MGM has yet to sell the marketing and distribution rights of the James Bond franchise to 20th Century Fox. Claiming to be contacted directly by the studio on the matter, Film School Rejects set the record straight by forwarding MGM's denial that the taking-over story is incorrect - reports AceShowbiz.

An official source, as reported by the site, also mentioned the studio still owns the Bond property and will announce the release date and distribution strategy in due time. Another denial came from 20th Century Fox as well. To IGN, sources at Fox slammed the speculation. They also insisted people are making a speculative leap based on Fox's existing arrangement with MGM.

Back on Monday, October 5, We Are Movie Geeks came up with a report that James Bond is finding a new home at Fox. The site claimed that "a source close to the dealings" revealed the 007 franchise will be marketed and distributed by the studio, adding "expect the official word to come out any day now, but it looks like 'Bond 23' is going to be running behind the Fox banner."

The last two installments of Bond series, "Casino Royale" and "Quantum of Solace", have been marketed and distributed by Sony, who acquired MGM in 2004. The home entertainment and international marketing for the two films, in the meantime, was already handled by 20th Century Fox.

Rumor aside, "Bond 23" would be the latest installment of the superspy series following "Quantum of Solace". In June, MGM and EON Productions announced the recruitment of Academy Award-nominated screenwriter Peter Morgan to join the screenwriting team of this new Bond movie that consists also of Neal Purvis and Robert Wade.

Thanks to `ELIPSIS` for the alert.