Author: Trafficblast

Final Fantasy composer Nobuo Uematsu is stepping away from the industry for a period of time so he can focus on improving his mental and physical health. In a blog post, Uematsu said he is taking an “extended leave of absence” to recover from what has been a hectic production schedule following the formation of his studio Dog Ear Records.

“Since the establishment of Dog Ear Records, I have found myself blessed with countless opportunities. From composing new works to holding concerts around the world, my days have been hectic, yet fulfilling,” he said. “The resulting fatigue, however, has finally caught up with me, and I find it mentally and physically difficult to go on at my current pace. After giving serious consideration to all options, I have decided to take an extended leave of absence and give my mind and body the time they need to properly mend.”

Uematsu said if he ever comes to back, he wants to do so “in full health.” While he used the word “if,” later in the blog post he said he expects to make a full recovery.

“Do not worry. Once I’ve made a full recovery, I’ll be back doing what I do best,” he explained. “My current plan is to rest for the remainder of the year, and while I cannot commit to a method or time frame for my return, I’m very hopeful.”

Uematsu said he apologies for the “burden” that he believes his leave of absence puts on his fans and clients, adding that he hopes people understand that he has to do what’s best for his health and well being. “I thank you all for your continued support and only ask that you are patient until I’m on my feet once again,” he said.

Uematsu, who was born in 1959, is considered by some to be the John Williams of video games. For lots more, check out GameSpot’s interview and profile of Uematsu from 2009.

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The next James Bond movie has a new director. Following the departure of Danny Boyle last month, it has been confirmed that True Detective‘s Cary Fukunaga will helm the 25th movie in the long-running series, which hits theaters in 2020.

As reported by Variety, Fukunaga will start shooting the currently-untitled Bond movie in March. The film was originally set to start production later this year, with the release date set for December 2019. However, following weeks of uncertainty over who would helm the movie after Boyle’s exit, it has been confirmed that it will now arrive on February 14, 2020.

Fukunaga is best known for directing the entirety of the hugely popular first season of HBO’s True Detective. He also directed the acclaimed movie Beasts of No Nation and the Mexico-set thriller Sin Nombre, plus the new Netflix series Maniac, which arrives on the service this week.

Boyle left the Bond film in late August due to “creative differences.” He signed on in May and the film was set to use the script he had written with his regular scriptwriting partner John Hodge. With Boyle no longer attached it is unknown whether the movie will his script, and it is possible that the producers might return to veteran Bond writers Neal Purvis and Robert Wade, who had been initially attached to the project.

Daniel Craig is set to play the iconic British superspy for the fifth time. There had been much speculation about whether he would return as 007 after 2015’s Spectre, particularly as Craig himself didn’t seem very keen on the idea. However, he confirmed will play Bond again in August last year.

The Bond series remains a hugely popular franchise. Craig’s first movie, 2006’s Casino Royale took in almost $600 million worldwide and Spectre made $880 million. The biggest success from Craig’s run was 2012’s Skyfall which grossed $1.1 billion across the globe.