Bond's return to the big screen slated for 2012

James Bond fans have been given renewed hope that filming is to start again on the latest installment of the 007 franchise in the New Year.

Production of the 23rd James Bond film was halted indefinitely in April because of the uncertainty over the future of the film company MGM. With estimated debts of up to $4bn (£247m), the studio said this week it was filing for bankruptcy. But in making the announcement it also divulged that a potential takeover deal by Spyglass Entertainment had cleared the way to the Bond film being released in November 2012.

It is possible Daniel Craig will retain his 007 role and there are hopes the director Sam Mendes, who pulled out of the project earlier this year, may return. MGM wants to share ownership of the films with a new partner and have a new Bond film every two years after 2012.