Like the most recent Bond actor Pierce Brosnan, Broccoli want the franchise to return to a plot and character driven formula, with more intelligent dialogue and a serious tone.

However, MGM wants to maximize revenue on the cash cow and stick to the ever more spectacular stunts and effects.

This arguing together with the lack of director or indeed an actor to play 007 means that the next movie looks some time off. A source close to the production is quoted as saying "The Broccoli camp believe they are the keepers of an untouchable tradition, and the money men want their megabucks."