DANIEL Craig has let out the start date for the next James Bond movie.  After a performance of A Steady Rain, a fan asked Craig about the follow up to 2008's James Bond film Quantum of Solace.  Craig responded that the next 007 flick will begin shooting next year, Variety magazine reports.

MGM has not publicly announced as start date for the next Bond film. The last news on the franchise was that screenwriters Peter Morgan (The Queen), Neal Purvis and Robert Wade were writing the screenplay for the next installment in the recently revigorated spy series.  The company, which is currently working to restructure its debt, had no comment on Craig's revelation.  A director still hasn't been picked for the next film.

Martin Campbell directed Casino Royale and Marc Forster directed Quantum of Solace, but neither is expected to return to the franchise.  Those last two chapters in the Bond series were huge money-spinners. Solace grossed $US586 million worldwide and Royale grossed $US594 million.  A Steady Rain is Craig's Broadway debut alongside someone who also knows something about franchises, Wolverine himself, Hugh Jackman.