'Never Say Never': Sam Mendes Hints At His Return To Direct Another ‘James Bond’ Film

Talking with Inverse, Sam Mendes revealed how he enjoyed directing ‘Skyfall’ and ‘Spectre’. He said, “It was very good for me at that moment in my life. I felt like it shot me out of some old habits.” Reminiscing the old days, he added, “It made me think on a bigger scale. It made me use different parts of my brain. You have to have a lot of energy.“

On being asked about his return to the franchise, he quoted the 1983 Bond film title, “Never Say Never”, hinting at his willingness to take the reins again.

In the earlier Bond series, directors used to stick with the franchise directing several 007 films. John Glen directed five films of the franchise working with Roger Moore and Timothy Dalton. Since Glen’s era, only Mendes has directed more than one Bond film.

Sam Mendes Reveals Producers Want “More Malleable People” To Direct New ‘James Bond’ Films

Although Sam Mendes is tempted to direct more Bond films, the chances seem unlikely. The ‘American Beauty’ director said he “would doubt” that he shall return to the franchise.

Mendes revealed, “They want slightly more malleable people who are earlier in their career, who perhaps are going to use it as a stepping stone, and who are more controllable by the studio.“

Mendes added, “There’s something so difficult and airless about that environment. You’ve got nothing to react to, you’re not standing in the real world.“

It sounds like the director has already given his return much thought but the production seems to be looking for a younger team that is more complying. However, nothing is set in stone and it would be interesting to see who takes charge next.