James Bond 23 title is Skyfall

After months of speculation, the James Bond 23 title was finally confirmed. It is ‘Skyfall’.

At a press conference held in London, which was attended by director Sam Mendes, producer Barbara Broccoli and star Daniel Craig, the Bond 23 title, cast and the bare bones of the plot was announced.

Asked about the meaning of the title, Broccoli said: "It has emotional context which will be revealed in the film."

Mendes, who won an Oscar for ‘American Beauty’ said: "Bond's journey takes him to Shanghai, Istanbul and to Scotland. Purvis and Wade and John Logan have written a fantastic script."

[Editor's blog: Why Skyfall could be best Bond yet... maybe]

[See more: Daniel Craig promises to strip off in 'Skyfall']

He added:  "I've always been a huge fan of Bond movies. As a child, every young english schoolboy grows up with them as part of my life.

"I got very excited when I saw my friend Daniel play Bond in 'Casino Royale'. I thought the story of Skyfall was fantastic."

He promised "a lot of surprises".

Speaking about the plot, Mendes said: "It's its own story. It doesn't connect with the last two films."

Several casting rumours were also confirmed: Albert Finney, Javier Bardem and Ralph Fiennes all have roles.

Bardem said: "Who told you a villain is a bad person? For me, it's an honour to be at this table for many reasons. It will be fun to do." He could not go into details about his role.

Bérénice Marlohe is also the new Bond girl, as was rumoured a few weeks back. She said: "I play a glamorous, enigmatic character called Severin."

She added: "I've been training to fire guns for the first time in my life."

Judi Dench is back as M, Rory Kinnear returns as her assistant.

Naomie Harris will play a field agent called Eve. She was previously rumoured to play Moneypenny. Are they the character? She said: "I'm still pinching myself. Raring to go. I spent two months training for the part."

There is also a supporting role for Ben Wishaw. He said the film will have "a lot of action, and many other things too."

[Gallery: James Bond 23 - Skyfall - cast revealed]

Daniel Craig confirmed that the film will begin shooting today. He said: "I'm tremendously excited by the people we've got in the movie... We start shooting today. This is it."

Mendes said the title doesn't relate to any previous Bond movies or Ian Fleming story.

He also nixed rumours the film would be action-lite. He said: "The action is part of the main body of the film. Every decision is mine. The action needs to co-exist with the drama."

No decision has yet been made over who will sing the title song. Adele has been rumoured.

Next year marks the 50th anniversary of the first ‘Bond’ movie, 1962's ‘Dr No’.

The film was delayed because of studio MGM’s financial troubles.

They filed for bankruptcy protection last November, with Spyglass Entertainment taking the helm of the struggling company.

The film will be released in the UK on 26 October 2012.

UPDATE: Sony have released an official synopsis for 'Skyfall': “Bond's loyalty to M is tested as her past comes back to haunt her. As MI6 comes under attack 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost."