James Bond to parachute into Rome

(ANSA) - Rome, November 24 - Rome's historic Ponte Sisto, connecting the Renaissance Campo de' Fiori neighbourhood with Trastevere, will become even more famous after a parachute landing on the pedestrian bridge by James Bond in the next 007 thriller starring Daniel Craig.
    As the dashing secret agent, Craig will career through the Borgo Vittorio near the Vatican, race down the busy Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, and dodge the heavy traffic that clogs the Lungotevere as it snakes alongside the ancient Tiber river.
    The 24th film in the James Bond series is due for release next autumn.
    Filming on the three main sites in Rome is scheduled from February 19 to March 12 with director Sam Mendes, known for his work on the Bond thriller Skyfall, helming the picture for Metro Goldwyn Mayer.
    Besides jumping from a helicopter to land on the 15th-century Ponte Sisto, other Roman stunts will see a car plunge into the Tiber before filming moves to the Royal Palace of Caserta in southern Italy.
    The film will also mark the fourth appearance for British actor Craig playing Bond, following his debut as the master spy in the 2006 Casino Royale followed by Quantum of Solace in 2008, and 2012's Skyfall.
    James Bond has spent considerable time in Italy.
    A series of chases in the medieval centre of the Tuscan city of Siena was featured in the Bond film Quantum of Solace.