EON Productions and MGM confirmed today [11] that the British actor will return as the superspy and Sam Mendes will direct when production is scheduled to kick off later this year.

MGM plans to release Bond 23 on November 9 2012. Neal Purvis, Robert Wade and John Logan wrote the screenplay.

Craig has been a hit in the last two Bond blockbusters, Casino Royale and Quantum Of Solace.

EON’s Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli made the announcement with MGM co-chairmen and CEOs Gary Barber and Roger Birnbaum.