Bond fans (and those who love action movies in general) have been waiting for years for the newest installment of the Bond franchise to hit theaters, with a release date now finally in sight. The newest Bond film Skyfall will debut on October 26, 2012 in the UK followed by a US release date of November 9, 2012, with the 23rd installment of the series being shown in IMAX theaters as well for the first time and the subject of much fanfare around the world, as it marks the 50th anniversary of the very first Bond flick.

Skyfall had a difficult path to get to a theater near you as MGM’s financial struggles and bankruptcy filing led to numerous delays. Academy Award winner Sam Mendes is at the helm as director and Daniel Craig, is back for his third shot at playing the James Bond role which has been recognized as one of the Top 5 Classic Casino Movies. Supporting roles go to Ralph Fiennes, Judi Dench, and Javier Bardem and a new Bond girl will make her debut, with Bernice Marlohe playing Bond girl Severin.

She had the following to say in a recent interview about the experience that while it was obviously the role of a lifetime and a thrill to play a Bond girl that the role came with its own challenges as well, especially given the long history of the Bond franchise: “'I kept hearing it all the time - Bond girl, Bond girl, Bond girl - and I thought, "Oh my God, what do people expect? Do they just expect someone who is pretty? What do they want me to do?”. Marlohe has played a prominent role in promoting the film, including appearances in Barcelona and other big stops worldwide as anticipation builds for the premiere of Skyfall.

Expectations are high for Skyfall as MGM is banking on it being another financial success in the Bond franchise and Daniel Craig is feeling some pressure as well to deliver in his third crack at playing Bond, with a disappointing showing at the box office likely leading to another actor slotted into the role of Bond for the next film. Several celebrations around the world are planned in conjunction with its release to mark the 50th anniversary of the Bond films, with a documentary also in the works to follow the arc of the film franchise over its 50 year history.