Director Sam Mendes says no to 24th Bond film

London, United Kingdom (4E) – Director Sam Mendes said that much as he wants to get involved in the upcoming Bond film, his other commitments would not allow him to do so.

In an interview with Empire Magazine, Mendes explained, “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.”

“Skyfall,” top billed by premier actors Daniel Craig, Naomie Harris, Ben Whishaw and Ralph Fiennes, has exceeded box office expectations reaching over $1 billion in revenue, as well as praises from critics and the movie-going public for its cinematic excellence.

Mendes, 47, might have said no to the 24th Bond film in preparation, but the refusal is not for good. He said, “I feel very honored 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”

No bad blood is kept as “Skyfall” producers leave the doors open for Mendes in the future, saying, “We thoroughly enjoyed working with Sam, he directed our most successful Bond movie ever, Skyfall. 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.”

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