Roger Michell cites script for declining Bond 22

[007]

Director Roger Michell cites script as reason for pulling out of Bond 22
http://www.mi6.co.uk/news/index.php?itemid=4783

Even before Casino Royale had been released, news was breaking about the forthcoming production of the 22nd Bond movie - due out on November 7th 2008.

One of the biggest stories was Roger Michell ( "Notting Hill", "Venus") who was rumoured to be directing Daniel Craig's second outing as 007, and later confirmed in October 2006 that he had pulled out of the film for "creative differences" with producers Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli.

Talking to HIT this week, Michell confirmed that he was offered to helm Bond 22 - but despite the fact that he would have liked to have worked with his old friend, Daniel Craig - he ultimately passed on it, because he didn't like the script.

"We couldn't find a way of making us all happy with the script. It's been through various drafts, but I just decided to say no before I got too far into it", Michell says. "As far as I know, it's absolutely up for grabs at the moment".

Back in January, Michell said that he "got into a bit of a panic at the prospect. At that time, the film was due to start shooting in January, and I just felt this terrible pressure of scrambling to get a script together with the clock ticking. To go into a film like James Bond when you don't really know what's happening would be a recipe for hell."

[Dr. No]

WOW

That does not sound good

[Captain Nash]

Oh no Bond 22 is doomed.
If you get in now maybe the next boycott will be more successful than the first.
Of course the script and story for Bond 22 are still being written. But if Roger Michell has walked then that's fine. Better he do so now, and let someone else take the reins than make a half asrsed load of rubbish.
Good on him I say.

[carl stromberg]

Looks like Eon will have to start searching for some old hack who will keep quiet and be grateful for the work.