Sam Mendes & James Bond Are Done Professionally - For Now

Remember that "75 per cent" chance? Well, the 25 per cent won out.

Sam Mendes reveals to Empire he will not return to the world of James Bond in the immediate future. Despite the money Skyfall earned Eon and the critical accolades bestowed, commitments elsewhere are the culprit, officially speaking, and perhaps he was simply hesitant to go right back into it so soon; a predicament Guy Hamilton found himself in after Goldfinger):

"'It has been a very difficult decision not to accept Michael and Barbara’s very generous offer to direct the next Bond movie,' explained Mendes. '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.'"

The door is still open down the road (A Martin Campbell situation, if you will) and when the time comes for Daniel Craig's retirement from the tuxedo and Walter PPK, perhaps the Oscar-winner's presence will grace 007 once again.

Until then, let the guessing game begin. Tom Hooper? Just saying...