In an exclusive report published earlier today, Variety is reporting that movie rights to the James Bond are set to hit the open market after the release of this year's latest Bond entry, Spectre. Spectre's release will mark the end of a multi picture deal between Metro Goldwyn Mayer and Sony which covered Daniel Craig's three outings as Bond: Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace, and Skyfall.

As per Variety, Warner Bros Pictures may have the inside track to add 007 to their stable of properties due to the close ties between MGM boss Gary Barber and Warner CEO Kevin Tsujihara. MGM and Warner's most successful partnership of late has been the Lord of the Rings prequel trilogy 'The Hobbit'. The two studios are also teaming up on a Rocky Balboa spinoff entitled 'Creed'.

Speaking to Variety, Newly appointed Sony Pictures CEO Tom Rothman admitted that competition for the 50 year old spy franchise will be fierce. "Sure we're going to compete for (the rights), but let's be honest, so is everybody in the business." Says Rothman.

It's no secret that the James Bond franchise has experienced a major resurgence in recent years. Though always a decent bet at the box office, the recent Bond films have seen her majesty's favourite secret agent reach milestones usually reserved for comic book superheroes and other big budget CGI laden fare.

The most recent entry in the series, 2012's Skyfall the highest grossing film in franchise history, saw 007 crack $1 billion worldwide for the first time. All in all Daniel Craig's three outings as the British super spy have brought in over $2 billion. Bond's next outing, this year's Spectre, which is due in 2D, 3D, and IMAX theatres on November 6, 2015 is considered by many to keep the trend going.