The next JamesBond film and the last to feature Daniel Craig as 007 will be called "NoTime To Die" and released in April, the franchise announced on Tuesday.The 25th installment of the British spy saga will see Bond drawn out ofretirement by his friend and CIA agent Felix Leiter to embark on a treacherousmission to rescue a kidnapped scientist, according to the official plotsummary. Filming is already under way,but has been beset by problems. An explosion at Britain's Pinewood Studios inJune rocked one of the film sets, causing damage to the stage and one minorinjury.
The Sun newspapersaid a triple blast hit the set after a stunt went wrong, taking off part ofthe roof and several wall panels. Craig-who will play the legendary spy for thefifth time-earlier had to undergo minor ankle surgery after an injury on set inJamaica. Oscar-winner Rami Malek will play a villain in the long-awaited movie,which is set to see Craig bow out after eight years as 007.
"No Time ToDie" will also see the return of Ralph Fiennes-as Bond's boss-and Frenchactress Lea Seydoux. Emmy-nominated "Fleabag" creator PhoebeWaller-Bridge has been called upon to liven up the script, at the expressrequest of Craig, who wanted to inject more humor into the film. The productionhas also been repeatedly delayed over script disputes, with Oscar-winningdirector Danny Boyle quitting the project last year and "Beasts of NoNation" director Cary Fukunaga stepping in. The film is due to open incinemas in Britain on April 3 and in the United States five days later.-AFP