MGM hopes to release next James Bond movie within three years

LONDON, March 20 (UPI) -- MGM chairman and chief executive officer Gary Barber says the Hollywood film studio hopes to release the next James Bond film within three years.

The last three Secret Agent 007 movies -- "Casino Royal," "Quantum of Solace" and "Skyfall" -- have been huge blockbusters. Made in collaboration with Sony Pictures, they all starred Daniel Craig as Bond and the British actor is expected to play the role at least two more times.

"We are very excited about the franchise. We look forward to announcing a director soon," The Guardian newspaper quoted Barber as saying in a conference call with investors Tuesday. "We are currently developing the screenplay and working with our partners. We look forward to developing the script soon and signing a director. We are hoping within the next three years it will be released."