Next James Bond won't be who you expected, says director Sam Mendes

'It's not a democracy... [producer] Barbara Broccoli decides who is going to be the next Bond, end of story'

Tom Hiddleston is the current frontrunner to take over from Daniel Craig as the next James Bond

Temper your hopes for Tom Hiddleston and Idris Elba because director Sam Mendes thinks you're backing the wrong horse.

Speaking at the Hay Festival of literature in Wales (via The Hollywood Reporter), the Skyfall and Spectre director proclaimed, "It's not a democracy... [producer] Barbara Broccoli decides who is going to be the next Bond, end of story."

"I can guarantee whatever happens with it, it will not be what you expect. That’s what she has been brilliant at, and that’s how it’ll survive," he continued; which does put strong favour that a candidate like Jamie Bell may be the more likely choice, recently reported to have been in conversations with Broccoli about taking over the role.

Really, nothing Mendes is saying here is surprising; every Bond so far has been plucked from relative obscurity, and securing the likes of Tom Hiddleston in the role would certainly mark a vital change in direction for the series.

Indeed, Craig himself was far from A-list material at the time of his casting, with many initially opposed to his taking on the role. It's only after his impressive debut in Casino Royale that affections began to change, and the actor became increasingly heralded as the best Bond yet.

Mendes himself also had big news; stating he won't be directing the next Bond film, and will be stepping away from the franchise he's worked on for the past five years.

"It was an incredible adventure, I loved every second of it," he said. "But I think it's time for somebody else. I'm a storyteller. And at the end of the day, I want to make stories with new characters."

The director also stated his hopes that the next in line for direction will also come from an "unexpected direction"; echoing his own background in theatrical direction, as well as his sombre, Oscar-friendly dramas American Beauty and Revolutionary Road.