The release of Skyfall reinvigorated the James Bond franchise. It saw Bond return to his roots and received heaps of praise from critics. Luckily, the director of the film is rumored to be returning to the franchise's next outing.
According to Deadline, Sam Mendes is in talks to return the franchise for Bond 24. Deadline reports that Mendes is currently in talks to begin production on the film early next year.
Reports of Mendes returning to the franchise follow a recent interview where the director said he had no plans to return. He told Empire in March that theater commitments would prevent him from working on the next film.
"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," says Mendes.
Mendes was offered the directors chair for the next Bond film soon after the release of Skyfall. After Mendes passed on the film reports of his replacement began to crop up. Variety reported early this month that Shane Black (Iron Man 3), Nicolas Winding Refn (Drive), Tom Hooper (The Kings Speech), David Yates (The Prince of Persia) and Ang Lee (Life of Pi) where being sought to replace Mendes.
Deadline says that after considering the available options producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli decided to wait for Mendes to finish up his other commitments instead of going with another director.
Skyfall proved a huge success for the Bond franchise. Mendes' film earned over $1.1 billion at the worldwide box office. The film was praised by some critics as being the best James Bond film ever.
Prior to joining the James Bond franchise Mendes was not known as an action director. His previous work included American Beauty, Revolutionary Road and Away We Go.