Actor James McAvoy appears close to signing to play James Bond creator Ian Fleming in a biopic set to start shooting later this year. McAvoy's wife, actress Anne-Marie Duff may be cast in the role of Fleming's wife. The film will be based on the book Ian Fleming: The Man Behind James Bond. Fleming has been the subject of two previous TV biopics, Goldeneye (produced before the feature film of the same name) starring Charles Dance as Fleming and The Secret Life of Ian Fleming starring Jason Connery (Sean Connery's son) in the title role. The film will not have anything to do with the James Bond movie series produced by Eon Productions, which owns the movie rights to Fleming's novels. For more click here

By Lee Pfeiffer

There are conflicting messages across the board about the schedule for Daniel Craig's third James Bond film. Initially, it appeared as though Eon Productions would hold off committing to a shooting date until the fate of MGM studios is resolved. This was followed by rumors that the new film might go into pre-production this summer. Now that scenario becomes doubtful as Daniel Craig is said to be close to signing on to replace Robert Downey Jr. as the star of Cowboys and Aliens, a sci-fi film set in the old West in which cowboys and Indians join forces to combat invading aliens(!) If that seems implausible, we still can't figure out how a British leading man fits into the mix unless the "aliens" refer to immigrants. Nevertheless, it seems unlikely that Craig, who will next film Dream House in Canada, would be able to accommodate Bond any time soon with two major films on his schedule. This might mean we won't see the next 007 flick until 2012. For more click here

By Lee Pfeiffer

Cinema Retro isn't generally involved in providing restaurant reviews, but on a recent trip to Egypt to research a future movie location tour, I discovered one of the nation's true hidden treasures: Barry's Oriental Restaurant, which will have special appeal to any James Bond fans, specifically those who like The Spy Who Loved Me, the only 007 film to date that has been shot in Egypt. I'll save my overall praise of Egypt for a future article. Suffice it to say that, although I have been fortunate enough to travel throughout the world, this is the most enchanting land I've been to - and the people are by far the most accommodating and friendly. I had read about Barry's in the Fodor's travel guide and was intrigued by the fact that it was out of the mainstream. Located directly across from the Giza and Saggara pyramids in Cairo, this quaint dining establishment is nestled in a nondescript backstreet, keeping in synch with its image as a throwback to old Egypt. It's the only restaurant that affords a magnificent view of the pyramids from the balcony where you can dine in the balmy evening weather.

The restaurant, which is often used to entertain dignitaries and political diplomats, has a menu that is not only very varied but also very affordable. There are three levels to the building, all meticulously decorated with fascinating historical artifacts. Best of all the service was beyond meticulous, with wait staff seeming to anticipate your every wish. Aside from the delicious food and wonderful atmosphere (you expect to see the likes of Sidney Greenstreet sitting at the next table), the reason the place has a special appeal for James Bond fans is that you can luxuriate while dining and watch the famed light show on the pyramids that was featured so memorably in The Spy Who Loved Me.Even the narration can be heard with no problem. (If you attend, contact the restaurant to find out what evenings English-language presentations are made at the light show, as it varies from evening to evening.)If you intend to visit Cairo, a visit to Barry's is mandatory if you want a memorable evening - and by all means request a hookah pipe (called a shisha in Egypt), which adds immeasurably to the experience. Visit the restaurant's web site by clicking here

James Bond fan and collector Peter Lorenz has created a very entertaining site that presents every aspect of artwork pertaining to the world of James Bond, from book covers to illustrations of vintage toys. Click here to view

By Lee Pfeiffer

What a difference a day makes. Just after press reports were released indicating that Eon Productions was holding off plans to develop the next James Bond film due to financial difficulties at MGM, The Hollywood Reporter says that Sam Mendes will direct the new film and that production could start as early as this summer. Neither MGM or Eon have confirmed the report. Mendes would be the highest profile director to assume the helm of a Bond film, having had movies such as American Beauty (for which he won the Oscar) , Road to Perdition and Revolutionary Road to his credit. If true, it would appear that producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli are striving to capitalize on the new respect the Bond franchise has received from critics since Daniel Craig took over the role. Screenwriter Peter Morgan, who wrote Frost/Nixon and The Queen is co-writing the new script with veteran scribes Rob Wade and Neal Purvis. Traditionally, even though the Bond films have been financial blockbusters, some high profile talent has been squeamish about associating themselves with the series, fearing that the films aren't taken seriously by critics. That seems to have changed when Casino Royale was nominated for numerous BAFTA awards. The franchise is suddenly seen as a suitable assignment for top writers and directors. If the film should go into production in summer, it will mean that it would not be ready for the all important Thanksgiving period release in November- a trend that has proven to be very profitable for all of  the recent Bond movies.  A word to the wise, however. Until Eon or MGM confirm the story, take it with a grain of salt: the down time in between Bond films is always a period in which rumors float about, many of which turn out to be exaggerated or completely untrue. Count this writer among those who would be very enthused about seeing Mendes' vision for the series. For more click here

By Lee Pfeiffer

Producer Michael G. Wilson acknowledged that the next James Bond film has not yet even entered the pre-production stage due to the uncertain situation with MGM, the studio that is to finance and release the next entry in the series. The last two films, Casino Royale and Quantum Of Solace, were released by Sony and were both financial blockbusters. MGM is struggling under billions of dollars in debt and the studio is actively seeking buyers. The Bond franchise is the jewel in the studio's crown, but analysts say its unlikely that MGM will get a buyer who will pay enough to offset the existing debt. Bond star Daniel Craig previously said that the new film would likely start production at the end of 2010, but Wilson said the entire picture is murky. Eon Productions apparently doesn't want to commit to a new film until they know who will controlling MGM. A pre-production meeting about the film is scheduled to take place next month, when the situation will be re-evaluated. If the MGM financial crisis isn't resolved by then, it's uncertain as to how long that would delay production of the next Bond film. For more click here

The MI6 James Bond web site has cataloged some amusing bloopers to be found in the 1969 007 flick On Her Majesty's Secret Service starring George Lazenby. Even the best of the series, which this film represents, aren't immune to technical and scripting errors. Click here to read