And just like that… James Bond no longer has a great director. It’s such a sad announcement too after having something so epic as Skyfall. Mendes brought a scale to 007 that was equally engaging as Christopher Nolan’s run on Batman. So to hear he’s walking away is such a heartbreaking pill to swallow. MGM has some giant shoes to fill with his departure.

The report comes from an interview taken by Empire Online, where Sam Mendes speaks about why he has to leave the franchise. Here is the quote from Mendes.

“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.”

However, Mendes did express hope on a possible return to  the beloved franchise.

 “I feel very honoured to have been part of the Bond family”, said Mendes, “and very much hope I have a chance to work with them again sometime in the future”.

I’m keeping my fingers crossed that he does have a chance to jump back on the 007 train once again. For now, us fans have to hope, and pray that the folks at MGM have a worthy replacement to handle Bond 24. I wonder what that Christopher Nolan guy is up to?

How do you feel about Sam Mendes passing up Bond 24? Tell us below!

 

Source: Empire Online