James Bond 23 will be released on October 26, 2012.

The next instalment of the spy franchise has had a troubled history after being put on an indefinite hiatus in 2010 because of financing problems, but it has now been confirmed the film - starring Daniel Craig as the main hero - will be released in the UK two weeks ahead of the US, which will see the film on November 9.

Sam Mendes will direct the as-yet-untitled movie, which Javier Bardem - who is rumoured to be playing a role as a villain in the project - has confirmed has a "different dynamic" to any of the previous instalments.

He said: "I'm a huge fan of the James Bond saga. When I was little, I went watching Mr. Connery doing James Bond with my father.

"Who in the world would think I'd be in one of those movies. They're changing the whole thing, the whole dynamic.

"I'd be playing Bond's nemesis, yes, but it's not that obvious. Everything is more nuanced. It's very intriguing."

Dame Judi Dench is also reprising her role as spy boss M.