Casino Royale set for Bond remake

The 21st James Bond movie will be a remake of Casino Royale, it emerged today.

The movie, set for release in 2006, will be directed by Martin Campbell, who first took the helm on Goldeneye in 1995.

Casino Royale was author Ian Fleming’s first Bond book and was originally made into a spoof spy flick in 1967, starring Peter Sellers, Woody Allen and David Niven.

Rumours are already circulating over who will take the lead, although producers are adamant no one has yet been selected.

Pierce Brosnan, who played the last four Bonds, has already announced he will not be doing so again. Names tipped to be the next secret agent include Eric Bana, Jude Law, Heath Ledger and Clive Owen.

Casino Royale introduces Bond as an expert baccarat player assigned to beat Le Chiffre, a communist agent for a Soviet assassination bureau.

Bond is also forced to contend with his latest love, Vesper Lynd, who does not take long to appear on the scene.

MGM acquired the title and rights in a settlement with Columbia’s Sony Pictures parent. Casino Royale will be released by Sony but will carry the MGM name.