The next installment in 007 franchise has reportedly been delayed because the bosses want to take advantage of the latest technology.

“The 23rd Bond movie has been put back a few months and that has given them the time to prepare to film it in 3-D. Everyone involved in the project is really excited because it will take the franchise in a new direction,” an insider said.

The as-yet-untitled project had already been delayed due to issues surrounding the impending sale of MGM Studios.

“Our timeline’s a little up in the air, so we have to be flexible. We just don’t know enough about the situation to comment, but we know it’s uncertain,” producer Michael G. Wilson previously stated.

Sam Mendes - who won an Oscar for his debut feature American Beauty - is also reportedly set to direct the film. Sara Keene, Mendes’ publicist, confirmed he had met representatives of the Bond franchise to discuss the possibility of him helming the movie but is adamant nothing has been finalized.

“I can confirm that he has had a meeting, but Sam always has lots of projects on the table that he might direct next. Sam’s method is to have a number of projects as possible next films and at some point confirm which film he’s going to do,” Keene claimed.