Whether Sam Mendes was legitimately balking at the idea of directing a follow-up to his $1B-grossing Skyfall, or if he was just angling for the best contract possible, he's been shaky on making a decision one way or another. Initially it looked like he was definitely out after saying the prospect of taking on another James Bond film made him physically ill. But then recently he was reported to be in talks to return and helm the next two films, until Mendes put the kibosh on that by saying he still wasn't sure. Whatever was going on behind the scenes, the situation has ended in the way many suspected it would, with Mendes officially back at the helm.
Sony has announced that Mendes will direct the next James Bond film, the 24th the long-running espionage franchise, with Daniel Craig again donning the tailored tux of the secret agent. John Logan is handling the scripting duties solo this time, but there's nothing on whether this is the first in a two-part storyline as many have suggested. Nor is there any mention of Penelope Cruz, who had been rumored to be joining the film.
What's more, Sony have already pegged release for the U.S. and across the pond, with the film arriving in the UK on October 23rd 2015. The film will land stateside on November 6th 2015, meaning right now Bond will be going head-to-head with Marvel's Ant-Man.
