Sam Mendes doubts return to James Bond, critiques studio preferences for "controllable" directors

Sam Mendes, director of "Skyfall" and "Spectre," expresses skepticism about returning to the franchise.

Sam Mendes, the celebrated director behind the hit James Bond films "Skyfall" (2012) and "Spectre" (2015), has voiced uncertainty about rejoining the iconic franchise for a third installment. In a candid interview with Inverse, Mendes discussed the evolving landscape of Hollywood, particularly how studios often seek younger filmmakers who are perceived as more "controllable."

Mendes remarked, “Never say never, to quote the man, but I would doubt it.” He elaborated on the impact that directing Bond had on his career, stating, “It was very good for me at that moment in my life. I felt like it shot me out of some old habits. 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.”

Highlighting the studio's focus on flexibility, Mendes continued, “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.” This sentiment sheds light on the challenges and expectations that future directors of the Bond franchise may face.

"Skyfall" remains one of the most critically acclaimed entries in the series, grossing $1.1 billion worldwide and earning five Academy Award nominations, including a win for Best Original Song. Its follow-up, "Spectre," although more divisive among critics, still performed well, bringing in $880 million globally and winning another Oscar for Best Original Song.

Since Mendes' last involvement with Bond, the franchise has released only one additional film: "No Time to Die" (2021), which concluded Daniel Craig's tenure as 007. With the search underway for both a new actor to portray Bond and a director to take the reins, no filmmaker has been officially confirmed yet, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the future of the iconic series.