Happy 58th anniversary Casino Royale; Sony confirms Bond 23 plans

Turns out today, April 13, is the 58th anniversary of the publication of Ian Fleming’s first James Bond novel, Casino Royale.

So much has been written, there’s not much more we can add except to note this particular anniversary occurs as Bond is stirring from a bit of a slumber.

Next month will see the publication of Carte Blanche by Jeffrey Deaver, the first 007 continuation novel since 2008’s Devil May Care. And work is proceeding on the to-be-titled Bond 23, which will debut on Nov. 9, 2012. Sony today officially announced it will co-finance and distribute Bond 23, according to the Hollywood Reporter’s Web site.

The deal was cut by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, which controls half of the 007 franchise. MGM’s bankruptcy last year helped delayed the Bond film.