Sony Pictures might lose James Bond franchise

Los Angeles - The James Bond movie franchise could reportedly be about to move from Sony Pictures to another Hollywood studio.

The eagerly-awaited Spectre is the last scheduled film for the studio and it's been speculated the brand will soon switch to Warner Bros because of the close relationship between the company's Chief Executive, Kevin Tsujihara, and MGM Chief Gary Barber.

Tom Rothman, Sony Pictures Entertainment Motion Picture Group Chairman, has admitted the company faces a stiff fight to keep hold of Bond, telling Variety: "The reality is that Sony's had a fantastic run with the Bonds.

"Sure we're going to compete for (the rights), but let's be honest, so is everybody in the business."

Sony's multi-picture pact saw the studio create a number of recent Bond movies starring Daniel Craig, including Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace and Skyfall.

Earlier this week, Jason Statham claimed he'd make a "decent" James Bond, but conceded his version would be markedly different to that portrayed by Daniel Craig.

He said: "Could I do it? Abso-fucking-lutely. Would I do it? Abso-fucking-lutely. Is Daniel Craig a great Bond? Abso-fucking-lutely.

"Yeah, I'd make a decent Bond. But it'd be very, very different if I did it."