Bond 22 is being filmed

I know it is a little hard to read, but we are counting down to the release of the next Bond movie! According to MI6 (the home of James Bond), filming started January 2 in England. It seems that filming, currently one month behind schedule, will take the first half of the year. Production will be completed in time for the November 7, 2008 premier worldwide (with a November 5 release in Belguim and France). Production costs are estimated to be $150 million. No Bond girl has been selected yet, but the lead is likely to be a Latin woman. Reportedly, Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli are close to casting the leading lady and will make the selection within two weeks.

Other notes of interest:

• Jeffrey Wright will be playing CIA operative Felix Leiter in this Bond. It is only the second time for the same actor to play Felix in more than on movie
• Giancarlo Giannini will return as Mathis
• Dame Judy Dench will again fill the role of M
• Q and Moneypenny are not slated to appear in this movie

And if you plan to be in Bregenz January 18th to 20th, there is a casting call from 9 am to 5 pm each day. An additional casting call for the 1200 to 1500 extras needed for the April 28 to May 10 filming will take place later this month.