Sam Mendes Will Not Return for Bond 24
Back in the early days of the James Bond movie franchise, EON was pumping out new installments almost every year and a handful of trusted filmmakers were given the opportunity to direct several Bond flicks in a row. John Glen is the current reigning champ, having helmed all five 007 films released in the ’80s, but in recent years that same kind of consistency has simply not been possible. I’m not sure if this is because the directors were not invited back or if they were simply unwilling to be tied down, but it looks like the pattern will be repeated once again with Sam Mendes. Even after Skyfall became the most successful Bond movie of all time, earning over $1 billion worldwide, Mendes will apparently be moving on after just one film.
According to Empire, Mendes has confirmed that he will not be returning for Bond 24. This is contrary to comments that he made at the BAFTAs last month, where Skyfall won Outstanding British Film. Although he seems conflicted, he has decided that he needs to focus on his upcoming theatre productions instead:
“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. 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.”
Clearly he is leaving the door open to take on another 007 movie in the future, but he will not get to directly continue the story that he told in Skyfall. Personally I think this news is unfortunate, but not unexpected. Skyfall proved that recruiting accomplished art house directors can give inspired results, but these kinds of filmmakers are probably less likely to do multiple installments. I just hope that they keep an open mind as they search for a new candidate for Bond 24. Are you disappointed that Sam Mendes won’t be back? Who would you like to see take on the next Bond movie?
Comments (9)
I recall reading somewhere that apparently 24 will be a two-parter with 25 shooting back to back. Mendes didn’t want to be tied down for two films. Not sure if there’s any truth to that though.
Posted by rjdelight on March 6th, 2013Maybe Turtletaub would be interested.
Posted by Peter on March 6th, 2013They gotta get back to that Quantum storyline.
Posted by piggystardust on March 6th, 2013Get Chris Nolan on this. It would be his cream dream supreme! He’s said repeatedly he’s a huge Bond fan. I’d be interested in that. Skyfall already took a lot of cues from Nolan and Dark Knight so get on it. I loved Skyfall but I’d much rather see Mendes doing other projects. Seeing different director’s take on Bond is a big part of the appeal for me.
Posted by Jason_Miami on March 6th, 2013Thank God
Posted by 99%ofmoviesareboring on March 6th, 2013Bring back old school James bond: girls, booze, action
Posted by filmjunkcouldbeagardeningpodcastiwouldstillbeentertained on March 6th, 2013I think it’s fine. Unlike Mendez, most of the other directors working on multiple Bond movies over the years have been professional “jobers” and the results for the most part were just fine.
I would not like to see great directors with distinct style and taste like Mendez get caught up for years in a franchise like actors do (I just wonder how many interesting movies Robert Downey Jr. could have made if he wasn’t stuck for the last few years in the Marvel universe).
Posted by Lior on March 6th, 2013#4…..agreed. Nolan would be great….and yes…different directors taking on other Bond films does seem to be part of the appeal. I could maybe see
Posted by Theo on March 6th, 2013Guy Richie going a Bond film, as long as the humor is left to a minimum, Steven Soderbergh, or maybe Danny Boyle
I’m sure Ronathan Howard could do a reasonable job with it. I hear Tarantino is available though.
Posted by patrik on March 6th, 2013Leave a Reply