Danny Boyle rules himself out of directing James Bond film

'The Queen' and James Bond parachute into the stadium (Getty Images)

Danny Boyle says he has ruled himself out of directing the next James Bond film because he wants more creative control - and believes he has already had his 007 moment.

The Oscar-winning film-maker was creative director of the opening ceremony for the London Olympics, which featured Bond star Daniel Craig jumping out of a helicopter with the Queen.

The director of Trainspotting and Slumdog Millionaire admitted he would not want the constraints of working on a big franchise.

Boyle, speaking at the premiere of his new film Trance, said: "It's not for me. I like working under the radar a bit more, so you can take risks.

"As we do with this film (Trance) and the perception of the characters - who's the antagonist? who's the protagonist? - it keeps changing in this film. And I love that freedom."

He added: "We did a sort of mini Bond film already, in the Olympics."

Trance - starring James McAvoy, Rosario Dawson and Vincent Cassel - tells the story of a fine art auctioneer who gets caught up in a robbery and has to enlist the help of a hypnotherapist when he loses his memory along with a priceless painting.

The film is set in London, which Boyle said meant a lot to him.

"I love filming here. I live here and it's a city I think I know, but there's always bits of it you don't," he said.

"So going out and finding a location for a film is fantastic because you discover new parts. So it's very special to have the privilege of working here again."

Film company MGM said yesterday that it expects the 24th Bond film to be released within three years, and will announce a director "soon". Skyfall film-maker Sam Mendes has already ruled out a return in the hot seat.

PA