MUMBAI: The 23rd instalment of the James Bond series has been eventually named Skyfall that will have Daniel Craig returning as the fictional spy for the third time.

Directed by Sam Mendes, the new 007 film will go on the floors on November 7, while it is scheduled to release on October 26, next year in the UK and November 9, in North America.
 
The new film will see Bond`s loyalty to M (Judi Dench) tested as her past comes back to haunt her. As MI6 comes under attack, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost.

"We`re so delighted to have Sam Mendes direct Skyfall and be working once again with Daniel Craig. We`ve a great script, an extraordinary cast and an incredibly talented creative team for this latest James Bond adventure," producers Wilson and Broccoli said in a statement.

The film, produced by Albert R Broccoli`s Eon Productions, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios and Sony Pictures Entertainment, has been written by Neal Purvis & Robert Wade and John Logan.

Apart from Craig and Judi Dench, the starcast includes heavyweights names like Javier Bardem as the Bond nemesis, Naomie Harris and Berenice Marlohe as Bondgirls. Others in the cast include Ralph Fiennes, Albert Finney and Ben Whishaw.