MUMBAI: James Bond fans can finally rejoice. October 2012 will see the return of the most iconic agent with a license to kill. And Daniel Craig will be back with the next 007 instalment after staying away from the screen for around four years.

MGM and Sony Pictures have finally announced the release of the 23 James Bond film with Craig’s return for his third stint in the yet-untitled film. The audiences who have been eagerly awaiting this thriller will see the traditional London premiere on 26 October at the Odeon Leicester Square, before opening in the US on 9 November.

Craig, the 46-year-old British actor who won praises for his performance in Casino Royale that made $599 million and Quantum of Solace that generated $577 million worldwide, is in a contract to star in two more Bond films.

Quantum of Solace was directed by Marc Forster. But the new film will be directed by Sam Mendes, the director of Revolutionary Road and American Beauty for which he won an Oscar. Roger Deakins will take over cinematography.

As for the cast of the film, while Dame Judi Dench will reprise her role as M, Ralph Fiennes and Javier Bardem are learnt to be a part of the film.

It is also believed that Israeli model Esti Ginzburg is being considered as the next Bond girl.

The first James Bond Film starring Sean Connery was released on 5 October 1962 and the upcoming Bond film is also slated to release in October which will be the 50 anniversary of the franchise.