James Bond Movies, Sam Mendes: 'Spectre,' 'Skyfall' Director Leaving 007 Franchise

Sam Mendes was already an acclaimed, Oscar-winning director before he took on the 2012 James Bond film Skyfall, but after the film's critical reception and blockbuster success, fans of 007 understood that he was one of the best filmmakers of the franchise. The next Bond film, Spectre, has a release date for November of 2015, but it could mark the end of Mendes and actor Daniel Craig teaming up for the spy thrillers. According to the director, he's ready to leave James Bond films behind him after Spectre. Read more on this news below.

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We must point out that Mendes previously stated that he wouldn't return to the franchise after Skyfall, but eventually changed his mind and took on Spectre.

"I said no to the last one and then ended up doing it, and was pilloried by all my friends," the director told The BBC recently. "But I do think this is probably it. I don't think I could go down that road again. You do have to put everything else on hold. It feels almost, even though we've just finished shooting it, like one big experience and it was a fantastic life-changing thing. It really is more a lifestyle choice than a job."

According to IGN, Mendes also opened up about Spectre and explained that the theme song has been recorded and that we'd be hearing it soon!

Let us know what you think of Mendes' recent statement about not returning to the popular film franchise in the comments section below!

Though this might be Mendes' final 007 film, what we've seen so far from Spectre has us excited for the film's November release date. Check out a teaser trailer for the new James Bond movie right here (via YouTube):