SonyIt's official! Sony Pictures Entertainment confirmed Tuesday that Sam Smith has recorded "Writing's on the Wall," the theme song to Spectre, the 24th movie in the James Bond series. The song will be available to purchase and stream on Sept. 25.
The singer first shared a cryptic photo via his social media on Labor Day. It showed a hand wearing a ring that featured the logo for criminal organization SPECTRE—Special Executive for Counter-intelligence, Terrorism, Revenge and Extortion. The logo's design dates back to the 1962 James Bond movie Dr. No. Smith, 23, co-wrote "The Writing's on the Wall" with with fellow Grammy Award winner Jimmy Napes. It is the first James Bond theme song sung by a British male solo artist since 1965.
"This is one of the highlights of my career. I am honored to finally announce that I will be singing the next Bond theme song," Smith said in a statement. "I am so excited to be a part of this iconic British legacy and join an incredible line up of some of my biggest musical inspirations. I hope you all enjoy the song as much as I enjoyed making it." In a joint statement, the film's producers, Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, added, "Sam and Jimmy have written the most inspirational song for Spectre and with Sam's extraordinary vocal performance, 'Writing's On The Wall' will surely be considered one of the greatest Bond songs of all time."
In the last year, Smith had often denied being involved with the film's soundtrack. Just last week, he told BBC Radio 2, "I've still got loads to do. I've got an Australia tour, but I kind of finish in December which is great; it gives me a chance to be in London, be in my home and go out with my friends." In addition to Smith, rumored contenders had included Ellie Goulding, Lana Del Rey, Lorde and Ed Sheeran.
The previous James Bond theme song, "Skyfall," was performed by Adele. The song was awarded an Academy Award and Golden Globe for Best Original Song, as well as the Grammy Award for Best Song Written for Visual Media.
Previous title performers include Shirley Bassey ("Goldfinger"); Paul McCartney ("Live and Let Die"); Carly Simon (Nobody Does It Better"); Sheena Easton ("For Your Eyes Only"); Duran Duran ("A View to a Kill"); Madonna ("Die Another Day"); and Alicia Keys and Jack White ("Another Way to Die"); among others.
Spectre, directed by Sam Mendes and starring Daniel Craig, is in theaters Nov. 6.