Sam Mendes turns down next Bond film

Skyfall director Sam Mendes said that he couldn’t direct the next Bond film due to previous commitments

14:30 09 March 2013

Skyfall director Sam Mendes turns down next Bond film due to his theatre plans and other commitments, which includes the production of Charlie and The Chocolate Factory and King Lear.

Sam, who picked up the Outstanding British Film prize at the BAFTA’s last month, said that turning down the generous offer of producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli’s was a very difficult decision. 

 

He said: “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, the 47-year-old director isn’t closing his doors to Bond films. He said: “I feel very honoured 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.”

 

Skyfall is the highest-grossing film in the Bond series to date; it passed the $1.1billion mark, making it the highest-grossing film ever at the British box office.