Sam Mendes won’t direct next James Bond film

Sam Mendes is not interested in directing the next James Bond film, insisting it is time to move on.
The American Beauty filmmaker directed the franchise’s two most recent films, 2012’s Skyfall and 2015’s Spectre. He insists the experience was a high point in his career, but he is ready to turn the reigns over to another director.
“It was an incredible adventure, I loved every second of it,” he said at the Hay Festival in Wales on Saturday (28May16). “But I think it’s time for somebody else. I’m a storyteller and at the end of the day, I want to make stories with new characters.”
Sam was not attached to direct the next film and it is unclear who moviemakers will look to next to take charge of the spy franchise.
While Sam is confident he will not be back for more Bond, speculation still remains as to whether Daniel Craig will once again step back into the role of 007.
Idris Elba, Tom Hiddleston, Damian Lewis, and even Jamie Bell, have all emerged as contenders for the coveted part, should Daniel decide to walk away, but Mendes thinks all the rumours are pointless, as producer Barbara Broccoli makes the final decision.
“There’s this constant debate about who’s going to be the next Bond,” he said, according to British newspaper The Telegraph. “The truth is – and here’s the headline: it’s not a democracy. It’s not the X Factor, it’s not the EU (European Union) referendum, it’s not a public vote. Barbara Broccoli chooses who’s going to be the next Bond: end of story.”
“Without (her), there would be no Daniel Craig because public support for Daniel was zero,” he continued. “It was her saying, ‘That man over there is going to change the whole thing, I’m going to cast him’. That turned it on his head.”
Sam does not know who Barbara will pick if Daniel chooses not to return, but the director is positive it will be a surprise.
“I can guarantee whatever happens with it, it will not be what you expect,” he said. “That’s what she’s been brilliant at, and that’s how it’ll survive. It’s not a public vote, and I think we’re in an age where everything is deemed voteable on. Some things just aren’t and it’s better that way.”