According to Variety MGM is postponing the twenty-first installment of its long-running James Bond series, which was originally planned for a November 18, 2005 release.  The studio has so far failed to land a director for the new Bond film, which would have to start filming in January to make its November release date. 

MGM is now planning to release the next Bond film in 2006, though the exact timing has not been determined.  Pierce Brosnan has indicated that he would play Ian Fleming's super spy for a fifth time, but according to Variety, MGM has not yet contacted him about the film.  The most recent Bond film, Die Another Day set a franchise record with a worldwide take of $432 million.  The Bond series has been MGM's most profitable franchise, raking in an estimated $3.8 billion in worldwide box office plus millions more in merchandising, home video, and broadcasting rights.