Sam Mendes says he is done with the James Bond franchise. The Skyfall and Spectre director explained that he has no intention of returning to the long-running Eon spy series.
Having directed the last two films starring the suave secret agent, Mendes has become one of only two directors to make two Bond movies in a row. His first entry in the series, the aforementioned Skyfall, earned critical acclaim and turned a hefty profit, a remarkable improvement over the lukewarm reception of the previous installment, 2008’s Quantum of Solace. Although his follow-up, Spectre, wasn’t as unanimously praised as Skyfall, it was assumed by many that he would continue to direct the Bond franchise. As it turns out, however, Mendes is ready to move on, explaining, “It was an incredible adventure, I loved every second of it. But I think it’s time for somebody else.”
In addition to ending his involvement with the Bond, Mendes also touched upon the search for a new actor to replace Daniel Craig as 007:
When it comes to the Bond franchise, fans are always eager to fan-cast their favourite actors in the role, and this round has been no exception. Michael Fassbender, Henry Cavill, and Idris Elba have all been regular contenders in the minds of fans, but according to Mendes, fans’ wishes play no part whatsoever in the casting a new Bond. “It’s not a democracy,” he said. “Barbara Broccoli decides who is going to be the next Bond, end of story. I can guarantee whatever happens with it, it will not be what you expect,” he added. “That’s what she has been brilliant at, and that’s how it’ll survive.”
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