James Bond: Shatterhand revealed as working title for Daniel Craig's final film as 007

The next James Bond film will use the working title Shatterhand.

Trade magazine Production Weekly featured a listing for “Bond 25 w/t Shatterhand” in its February 21 newsletter, confirming that the film will begin shooting at Pinewood Studios on April 6.

Shatterhand was rumoured as a potential title for Daniel Craig’s final outing as 007 back in August 2017, and refers to an alias used by supervillain Ernst Stavro Blofeld, who featured in Ian Fleming’s 1964 novel You Only Live Twice.

The news comes shortly after it was reported that the release date for Bond 25 has been pushed back to April 2020. It was previously scheduled to arrive in cinemas on February 14, 2020.

A post on the official James Bond Twitter account read: “The release date for Bond 25 has changed. Producers Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli: ‘We are absolutely thrilled to be releasing Bond 25 on 8 April 2020.’”

Bourne Ultimatum writer Scott Z Burns has reportedly been hired to work on the film’s screenplay.

Pre-production on Bond 25 began last year, but was delayed when director Danny Boyle pulled out of the project due to “creative differences” in August.

Three months later, Broccoli and Wilson revealed that they were “delighted” to bring US director Cary Joji Fukunaga on board.

“We are delighted to be working with Cary,” a statement read. “His versatility and innovation make him an excellent choice for our next James Bond adventure.”

Fukunaga, who most recently helmed Netflix series Maniac, has previously confirmed that Bond 25 will continue “a character arc that started with Casino Royale,” but no further details of the plot have yet been confirmed.

Richard Madden, Idris Elba, Tom Hiddleston and James Norton are among the favourites to replace Craig in the iconic role.