Sony Pictures have agreed to distribute the next as yet unnamed Bond film that is in development, as it did with the last two films, Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace. The film, which will again star Daniel Craig as Bond, is to be directed by Sam Mendes.

The film has had a difficult production to date, the film studio MGM, who own the franchise copyright, went into administration (its since been bought and rescued) and the production all but collapsing within the legal wranglings that followed, it looks like things are on track now.

MGM will retain distribution in the US and some other place with Sony not only distributing here but also co-funding the film (expect the usual array of product placement in the film).

It's looking like the film should have a smooth production now, with rumors that a script is near on complete, the title will be announced in due time (as with all Bond films) and the November 9th 2012 release date will be met.