JAMES BOND - FORSTER TO DIRECT NEW BOND FILM

Marc Forster has been announced as the man to direct the 22nd James Bond film due for release in November 2008.

The director behind Monster's Ball and Finding Neverland will take over the rejuvenated franchise after Casino Royale was released last year.

Daniel Craig will be resuming his role as Bond, with production expected to begin at the end of this year.

Forster said he was a Bond fan and was looking forward to taking on the challenge of the next instalment in the franchise.

"I have always been drawn to different kinds of stories," the filmmaker said. "And I have also always been a Bond fan, so it is very exciting to take on this challenge."

Casino Royale became the most successful Bond film yet and took about £300 million at the box office globally with Craig playing a more rugged, but vulnerable Bond.

The film's director, Martin Campbell, previously introduced Pierce Brosnan to the role.

Forster has worked with a number of successful Hollywood stars including Johnny Depp in Finding Neverland and Halle Berry in Monster's Ball.