Sam Mendes could make Bond film return

Filmmaker Sam Mendes could return for a further Bond movie following the box-office success of his 007 debut Skyfall.

The Oscar-winning director is said to have been working on a plot for a follow-up, according to the regular screenwriters of the series.

Scriptwriters Neal Purvis and Robert Wade, who have worked on five instalments of the series about the suave agent, also revealed they are quitting the franchise.

Speaking during an appearance at the fourth Doha Tribeca Film Festival, Wade said: "We're very happy to have done five Bond movies, I think we've gotten it to a good place.

"I know that John Logan (screenwriter) and Sam Mendes have come up with a plot for another one, which takes the pressure off because these films take up a lot of time."

Purvis, who has had a screenwriting partnership with Wade for 28 years, said: "We were going to stop with Quantum of Solace but it's good to go out on a high with Skyfall."

Current 007 star Daniel Craig, who has appeared in three Bond films, is contracted for a further two.

Skyfall, which was released last month, became the UK's biggest box office hit of the year in the space of just 12 days. It is also the most financially successful Bond film, superseding 2006's Casino Royale.

PA