Emag.co.uk Entertainment News Leader
The Academy Award winning director won’t be back on directing duties for James Bond’s next mission.
Skyfall’s critical and box office success of over $1.1 billion worldwide made director Sam Mendes the perfect choice to helm the next adventure. A couple of weeks ago it was announced that Mendes was in talks to return to the franchise, but today he has officially stated that he won’t be onboard for Bond 24.
“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, that need my complete focus over the next year and beyond.”
This now leaves the director’s chair open for somebody new, no replacement has been named but with filming expected to start towards the end of the year the producers won’t have much time to fill the position.
