We certainly weren't expecting this. Sam Mendes has turned down the offer to direct Bond 24. WHAT! Yes, it's true. Despite being the most successful James Bond director to date, breaking many box office records with his critically acclaimed Skyfall, he has now confirmed that he won't be returning for a second outing.
Why has he rejected Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson's offer? 'Cause he wants to spend more time focusing on his theatre projects, that's why. Sounds just mental to us. Can you really compare Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to James freakin' Bond? Perhaps he's more afraid of the pressures associated with returning after the first one went down so well; would it be really possible for lightning to strike twice? Perhaps he's best off leaving on a high. There'd be nothing worse than the sour aftertaste of a botched job. (I note that many of entertainment.ie's readers didn't enjoy the film quite as much as I did, but in commercial terms, Mendes did exceptionally bloody well.)
Speaking to Empire he said: "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."
So that opens up the floor for someone entirely new. Any suggestions?
