Monster's Ball film-maker Marc Forster will direct the next James Bond film, it was announced today.

German-born Forster has directed a string of films including The Kite Runner (2007), adapted from the best-selling novel, and the comedy Stranger Than Fiction (2006).

He also made Finding Neverland (2004), starring Johnny Depp as Peter Pan author JM Barrie, after reportedly turning down Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.

Casino Royale star Daniel Craig will reprise the role of 007 in the as-yet-untitled 22nd Bond production.

Forster, whose Monster's Ball (2001) won Halle Berry a best actress Oscar, said: "I have always been drawn to different kinds of stories and I have also always been a Bond fan, so it is very exciting to take on this challenge."

The director, who is based in New York, said: "The new direction that the Bond character has taken offers a director a host of fresh possibilities."

Bond producers Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli said: "We are delighted that Marc Forster, with his exceptional talent and unique vision, has agreed to direct our next James Bond film."

Amy Pascal, co-chairman of Sony Pictures Entertainment, which also distributed Stranger Than Fiction, said: "He's an actor's director. He approaches material with intelligence and taste.

"What makes him the perfect choice for Bond 22 is that he will bring to this film all the elements Bond audiences expect - action, humour, suspense, and thrills."

Casino Royale, directed by New Zealander Martin Campbell, became the highest-grossing Bond film worldwide with £300 million in box office receipts, and won acclaim for Craig in his debut as the famous spy.

The 22nd Bond movie will begin filming at London's Pinewood Studios in December for release worldwide on November 7 next year.

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