The British tabloids are famous for printing James Bond-related rumours so speculative it makes the assorted internet film gossip websites seem as reliable and profound as the best works of Edward R. Murrow.

Nevertheless today comes another of their rumours, however this one is entirely out of left field, is quite positive in tone, and for once is one of the few bits of tabloid bullsh*t that I hope comes true.

The Daily Mail reports that Bond producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson are rushing ahead with the untitled 22nd James Bond film, the second of three films following events that kick off in "Casino Royale", by hiring a new screenwriter and director.

Oscar-winning screenwriter Tom Stoppard ("Shakespeare in Love", "Brazil", "Empire of the Sun", "Enigma", "The Russia House") is apparently "in talks" to pen the screenplay, replacing series vets Neal Purvis and Robert Wade who worked with "Crash" writer Paul Haggis on 'Casino'.

The hiring is doubly interesting in that Stoppard is presently rewriting the next (and likely last) film in the similar but more contemporary espionage franchise - "The Bourne Ultimatum".

The paper also claims that Eon Productions are "in negotiations" with South African-born director Roger Michell ("Notting Hill", "Changing Lanes", "Persuasion", "The Mother") to helm, Michell has worked with actor Daniel Craig twice before and was a strong supporter in the hiring of Craig as 007.

The question now is, aside from how reliable are these claims, is the potential release date - there's talk of moving forward quickly enough to get the film out as early as late next year in order to cash in on Bond's moniker being incorporated into the date (ie. 2007).