Not only did James Bond have the box office records dropping quicker than ladies underwear in his latest adventure, Skyfall, but there were many that considered it to be the best film to ever feature the British superspy. While, I personally think that it was more one of rather than just the best, the fact of the matter remains that it was still a bloody good film.
Much of that was due to the classy directing of Sam Mendes, and with recent stories seemingly indicating that he would be back for more, fans were understandably both shaken and stirred with joy. But if you are one of those fans, then I’ve unfortunately got some bad news today that will make you feel like your sky is falling.
Mendes revealed to Empire Magazine that he was indeed offered the job again by franchise stewards and executive producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, but that despite Empire’s own sources previously claiming to the contrary, that he had to turn them down in the end.
“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 theater 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.”
Wait, so you’re saying that I have a mad and pandering king and a couple of oompa loompa’s to blame for not getting more Mendes magic? Bah humbug!
Up until the modern era of 007 kicked off with Martin Campbell’s Goldeneye, it was quite common for directors to come back a few more servings of Bond, James Bond, with the first 16 films seeing only 5 different butts in the director’s chair. John Glen even did 5 of them back to back. Since Goldeneye though, Campbell has been the only one to return when he reinvented Bond once again for an even more modern, post-Jason Bourne audience with Casino Royale.
Mendes, who apparently worked with new franchise scribe John Logan on the story idea for the next film after regular writers Neal Purvis and Robert Wade also called it quits after Skyfall, did offer some hope for fans wanting him back in charge of 007.
“I feel very honored 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.”
Oh trust us Sam, so do we. So do we.
Last Updated: March 7, 2013
James Francis
March 7, 2013 at 08:40
No big loss.