UMBAI: 007 producers, Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli of EON Productions, have suspended development on the next James Bond film previously scheduled for release 2011/2012. Bond 23 was to be directed by Sam Mendes and starred Daniel Craig.

"Due to the continuing uncertainty surrounding the future of MGM and the failure to close a sale of the studio, we have suspended development on BOND 23 indefinitely. We do not know when development will resume and do not have a date for the release of BOND 23," Wilson and Broccoli said jointly.

EON Productions have produced 22 James Bond films since 1962. In 1995, Wilson and Broccoli took over the 007 franchise from Albert R ‘Cubby’ Broccoli and are responsible for producing some of the most successful James Bond films ever, including Casino Royale and more recently Quantum Of Solace.

The James Bond franchise is the longest running in film history. EON Productions and Danjaq LLC are affiliate companies and control all worldwide merchandising for James Bond.