Sam Mendes the director of Skyfall and Spectre mentioned to the BBC over the summer that he wasn’t entirely sure he’d be returning for the next Bond. We had suspected a clash between producers and Sony (including email leaks) over Spectre‘s budget likely has contributed to both Sam and star Daniel Craig’s apprehension on returning to the franchise.
“But I do think this is probably it…I don’t think I could go down that road again. You do have to put everything else on hold.”
While recently speaking at the Hay Festival of Literature in Wales via The Hollywood Reporter, Mendes has reaffirmed those statements made in the summer and has confirmed he will not be directing Bond 25.
“It was an incredible adventure, I loved every second of it,” Mendes said of his five years working on the thriller franchise. “But I think it’s time for somebody else.”
Tom Hiddleston, Idris Elba and Jamie Bell have been seemingly officially in the mix for the role, but Sam has some advice for fans lobbying for their choice for Bond.
“It’s not a democracy … Barbara Broccoli decides who is going to be the next Bond, end of story.”
A production start hasn’t been announced for Bond 25, but it’s been teased that it could be released as early as 2018.
SOURCE: THR