Skyfall's the limit: Sam Mendes turns down Bond follow-up

Sam Mendes attends the afterparty for the Royal World Premiere of 'Skyfall' at Tate Modern (Getty Images)

Sam Mendes has said he will not direct the next James Bond film saying other upcoming projects need his attention.

“It has been a very difficult decision not to accept [producers] Michael and Barbara’s very generous offer to direct the next Bond movie,” the director told Empire magazine.

“Directing Skyfall was one of the best experiences of my professional life, but I have theatre and other commitments, including productions of Charlie And The Chocolate Factory and King Lear, that need my complete focus over the next year and beyond,” he continued.

Skyfall is the most commercially successful James Bond and the highest-grossing film in UK history, taking over £100m at the box office. It was rumoured Mendes would return to the franchise after its huge success, but Mendes is refusing to rule out the possibility of directing a Bond film in the future.

“I feel very honoured to have been part of the Bond family and very much hope I have a chance to work with them again sometime in the future,” he said.