'Skyfall' director turns down 'generous' offer to direct sequel

Sam Mendes, the Oscar-winning director of the James Bond films Skyfall and Spectre, recently confirmed in an interview that he will not return to direct the next installment in the classic series.

Mendes told the Times of India that he had received a "generous offer" from the producers of the James Bond franchise to return for another film. Mendes called making Skyfall "one of the best experiences of my career."

However, he said he is currently focusing on theatre projects, including productions of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and King Lear, which he said requires his "full commitment".

Mendes won the Best Director Award for American Beauty in 2000, and his 2019 war film 1917 was nominated for Best Screenplay, Best Director and Best Picture. His latest work is Empire of Light, starring Olivia Colman in 2022.

The latest 007 movie is 2021's No Time to Die, which is Daniel Craig's fifth and final time playing James Bond. After him, no actor has yet been confirmed to inherit the mantle of the super agent.