In the immediate wake of Skyfall’s incredible success, director Sam Mendes was continuously asked if he would do another James Bond film. While he at first said he was interested, he later reversed his position and it sounded like he was done with 007.
However, reports on Tuesday said that the Oscar winner was in talks to do Bond 24. Deadline and later The Wrap both reported that Mendes is back in the picture to direct the film, which will be written by John Logan (Gladiator).
Mendes had said in March that he would definitely not do Bond 24. He’s working on London productions of Charlie And The Chocolate Factory and King Lear, which he made his top priority, so these reports do come as a surprise. While Sony and MGM did not comment, Deadline sounded incredibly confident that Mendes will be back in the director’s chair.
Meanwhile, The Hollywood Reporter suggests that things aren’t that far along with Mendes. Acclaimed directors Ang Lee (Life of Pi), Christopher Nolan (The Dark Knight Trilogy) and Nicolas Winding Refn (Drive) are all names that have been floating around, a sign that EON productions is really interested in giving auteurs a chance at Bond.
Skyfall grossed $1.1 billion worldwide and Daniel Craig is signed on to star as Bond in the next film.
image: Sony