New James Bond film director announced

Cary Joji Fukunaga replaces Danny Boyle, who pulled out of the project last month

Cary Fukunaga replaced director Danny Boyle and will direct new James Bond film. EPA

The next James Bond film will be directed by American Cary Joji Fukunaga, the man behind the first season of US drama True Detective and the Netflix comedy Maniac, the 007 producers said on Thursday.

The 41-year-old replaces British director Danny Boyle, who pulled out of the as-yet-untitled film last month due to "creative differences".

He will be the first American to take charge of a film in the series.

Shooting of the 25th Bond movie will begin at Britain's Pinewood studios in March 2019 with the worldwide release slated for February 14, 2020, three months later than the original guidance given when Boyle was director.

The Bond franchise is one of the movie world's most lucrative with 2015's Spectre, directed by Sam Mendes, raking in $880 million at the box office worldwide, while Skyfall in 2012, also directed by Mendes, grossed more than $1billion globally.

Producers Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli said of their new director: "His versatility and innovation make him an excellent choice for our next James Bond adventure."

Fukunaga will direct Bond star Daniel Craig who plays Bond for a fifth time, in what is expected to be his last stint as the secret agent created by author Ian Fleming in 1953.

He previously directed the 2015 war film Beasts of No Nation starring Idris Elba.

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