50 Yrs Of 007: James Bond Bounces Back With 'Skyfall'

LONDON: Daniel Craig returns as British secret agent James Bond in "Skyfall" the 23rd installment in one of the world's longest-running and most successful film franchises . Director Sam Mendes assured fans that Bond's latest adventure would adhere to the high octane formula that has made the films an enduring genre since Sean Connery first played the suave agent licensed to kill nearly 50 years ago in "Dr No" .

"It, I think, has all the elements of a classic Bond movie , including, to quell any rumours, a lot of action," Mendes told reporters at the launch of the film in London on Thursday.

Spanish actor Javier Bardem will play the villain and Judi Dench returns as Bond's stern boss "M" in a cast that will also include Ralph Fiennes, Albert Finney, French actress Berenice Marlohe and Britain's Naomie Harris. In keeping with Bond's globe-trotting legacy, the film has been shot in London , Shanghai, Istanbul and Scotland. The film is set to hit British theatres on October 26, 2012 and US cinemas on November 9.

Next year is the 50th anniversary of the series, which began in 1962 with Sean Connery on Her Majesty's secret service in "Dr. No" .