JAMES BOND - JAMES BOND FILM IN JEOPARDY

The next JAMES BOND film has been further delayed after a series of rows between movie mogul BARBARA BROCCOLI and distributors MGM.

Broccoli is keen to return the spy franchise to the more serious, plot-driven films her father, original Bond producer CUBBY BROCCOLI, pioneered.

However, MGM is determined to generate as much money as possible by sticking to the movies' well-established formula of gadgets, breath-taking stunts and big-budget special effects.

And the resulting stalemate has already delayed the 21st Bond film - which was originally due for release in November this year (05).

A Hollywood insider says, "It does not bode well. There is a lot of ego, money and belief at stake - no one is backing down.

"The Broccoli camp believe they are the keepers of an untouchable tradition, and the money men want their megabucks."

The movie - now slated for release in early 2006 - is still without a script, director or star after PIERCE BROSNAN was axed from the role.

EWAN McGREGOR, CLIVE OWEN and JUDE LAW have all since been named as potential 007 successors, although nothing has yet been confirmed.