Sam Mendes not to helm James Bond film

Director Sam Mendes has confirmed that he will not be returning as the director for a James Bond film.

He has previously helmed two Bond films, including Skyfall (2012) and Spectre (2015), starring actor Daniel Craig in the titular character. Besides the Bond films, he has also helmed films like American Beauty, Road To Perdition, Revolutionary Road and 1917.

Opening about the probabilities of working in a Bond film, to Empire, Mendes said he had received a "generous offer" from producers Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli to direct a new film, but he decided against it.

"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 was quoted as saying.

It is to be noted that the recent installment from the James Bond film franchise was the 2021 No Time To Die, which was directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga. It also marked Craig's final appearance as Bond.  On the other hand, Mendes last helmed romance drama Empire of Light.