Sam Mendes To Direct Robert Downey Jr. In New 'Oz' Film?

Sam Mendes is the front runner to direct "Oz The Great And Powerful," according to Production Weekly. Mendes would likely be working with Robert Downey Jr, who is the first choice to play the Wizard of Oz.

Cinematical reports: "Scripted by Mitchell Kapner (The Whole Nine Yards), the plot concerns the back story of Oscar Zoroaster Phadrig Isaac Norman Henkel Emmannuel Ambroise Diggs (or O.Z. for short, as the rest of the initials spell out "PINHEAD"). A young circus magician from Omaha, O.Z. ends up ruler of the land also coincidentally called Oz when he mistakenly lands there in his hot air balloon. Apparently this is gaining heat because of the success of Alice in Wonderland while also coinciding with Universal's adaptation of Wicked, which is similarly an origin story inspired more than based upon the original Baum stories."

Mendes had been attached to helm the next James Bond film. According to BBC News, production for the film has been suspended indefinitely because of uncertainty surrounding the future of MGM Studios.  Producers of the film, Michael Wilson and Barbara Broccoli  have reported that it is unclear when production will resume for the 23rd Bond movie.  There is currently no date set for its release.

Daniel Craig, who was last seen on Broadway with Hugh Jackman in A Steady Rain, was to return as Bond for his third time. Says the film's producers, "Due to the continuing uncertainty surrounding the future of MGM and the failure to close a sale of the studio, we have suspended development on Bond 23 indefinitely."

Craig commented on the suspension, saying: "I have every confidence in Barbara and Michael's decision and look forward to production resuming as quickly as possible." Craig is the sixth actor to play 007, joining Sean Connery, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton and Pierce Brosnan.

Several companies have expressed an interest buying the franchise, however none have reached their sought price of $2 billion.

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