Sam Mendes has revealed that he will not be directing the next James Bond movie.
The director, who helmed 2012’s Skyfall , which has become the most successful film in 007 history after it grossed over $1 billion at the global box office, was asked to return for the follow-up film but producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson.
However, Mendes, who won an Oscar for his work on 1999’s American Beauty , decided to turn down the offer though, because of his hectic work schedule.
Mendes told Empire, “It has been a very difficult decision not to accept Michael and Barbara’s very generous offer to direct the next Bond movie.”
“Directing Skyfall was one of the best experiences of my professional life, but I have theatre and other commitments, including productions of Charlie And The Chocolate Factory and King Lear , they need my complete focus over the next year and beyond,” added the filmmaker.
However, Mendes has stated that he might be tempted to return to the franchise later in his career though, stating, “I feel very honoured to have been part of the Bond family and very much hope I have a chance to work with them again sometime in the future.”
The director has proved to be a very popular choice with James Bond fans and the production crew behind Skyfall.
Producers Wilson and Broccoli remarked of Mendes, “We thoroughly enjoyed working with Sam, he directed our most successful Bond movie ever, Skyfall.”
They then added, “We would have loved to have made the next film with him but completely respect his decision to focus on other projects and hope to have the opportunity to collaborate with him again.”
The next James Bond film is already being written, with Skyfall’s John Logan working on the script. Logan recently remarked that the screenplay was “coming together very well.”
Do you think Mendes will be missed?