James Bond back on big screen next year

James Bond is set to make a return to the big screen next year - after the latest film was delayed due to financial problems at the production studio.

The 23rd film featuring 007 is to be made later this year and will be released on 9 November, 2012.

There were doubts over the future of the spy franchise when the film, set to be the third starring Daniel Craig, was put on hold last year.

EON Productions blamed the financial difficulties of MGM Studios for the hiatus.

The new owners of MGM, alongside producers Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, said filming will get under way in a few months, with Sam Mendes, known for previous works American Beauty and Road to Perdition, named as director.

The last Bond film Quantum of Solace was released in 2008.

Fans had feared the long delay could lead Craig, who debuted as Bond in Casino Royale, to walk away from the role.

MGM filed for bankruptcy protection last November and has since been restructured.

Craig said last year that he had "every confidence" in the film's producers, and that he was looking forward to production resuming "as quickly as possible".

He has been credited with giving Bond a gritty new image as he became the sixth incarnation of the spy, taking over from dapper Pierce Brosnan.