After denying any and all involvement with the franchise just a few months ago, Sam Mendes, the Oscar-winning director behind last year's successful and popular next installment in the 007 James Bond franchise "Skyfall," has decided to return as director on the upcoming follow film.
Entertainment Weekly Reports the team behind the 24th installment of the James Bond films will have the director return in order to stick with the world and story created by "Skyfall." "Skyfall" marked an important milestone in the modern James Bond's legacy. Since British actor Daniel Craig took on the role there have been three films with him as Bond: "Casino Royale," Quantum of Solace" and, of course "Skyfall." The previous two movies were met with approval but none to the degree of success that was Skyfall, bringing in several Oscar nominations at the 2012 Academy Awards.
Previously the acclaimed director had said he would not be able to return for another Bond film due to "theatre and other commitments," specifically stage productions of "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" and "King Lear." However, it appears now that those commitments have been worked out.
"I am very pleased that by giving me the time I need to honour all my theater commitments, the producers have made it possible for me to direct Bond 24," Mendes said in a statement. "I very much look forward to taking up the reins again, and to working with Daniel Craig, Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli for a second time."
The next adventure for the Famous British spy is set to release October 23, 2015 in the U.K. and November 6, 2015 in the U.S. It will once again star Craig as Bond and feature a story from "Skyfall" writer John Logan who is returning to pen the script. After its release, the previous Bond film directed by Mendes raked in a whopping $1.1 billion worldwide.
