14 DAY TRIAL // If you listen carefully, you might hear thousands of old and new James Bond fans screaming in desperation and disappointment. Sam Mendes, who directed the critically acclaimed “Skyfall,” has announced he’s done with the 007 franchise.
Mendes, much like leading man Daniel Craig himself, was almost a given for the next James Bond installment, especially considering how warmly fans and critics alike reacted to his brilliant work in last year’s “Skyfall.”
As it happens, Mendes has other projects on his plate, he tells Empire Online.
“It has been a very difficult decision not to accept Michael and Barbara’s very generous offer to direct the next Bond movie,” he says.
That would be Michael and Barbara Broccoli, the executive producers on the franchise.
“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,” Mendes adds.
A replacement for him is yet to be announced.