James Bond director Sam Mendes says Spectre will be his last 007 movie
Mendes describes making the Bond movies as 'more a lifestyle choice than a job'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sam Mendes has confirmed that he will not direct any more James Bond movies after Spectre.
The director achieved huge success with Skyfall in 2012 and is back for another instalment with Daniel Craig in the lead, but wants to shift his focus back to the theatre once it hits cinemas on 26 October.
“I said ‘No’ to the last one and then ended up doing it and was pilloried by all my friends,” he told Jonathan Agnew on BBC Radio 5 during the Lord Test Match between England and Australia.
“I do think this is probably it. I think five years for the two movies, it feels now almost, even though we’ve only just finished shooting it, like one big experience.”
Mendes described the prestigious Bond job as “more a lifestyle choice than a job” as everything else has to be put “on hold”.
The 49-year-old former husband of actress Kate Winslet said he is happiest when “rehearsing a play or editing a movie” but longs to return to the theatre environment where he feels most at home.
“It feels controllable after the chaos of a movie set,” he said. “But it won’t be long before I want to do another film, and I’m very, very fortunate to be able to go back and forth between the two.”
Spectre has been shot in more places than Skyfall was, including Mexico City, Tangiers, the Northern Sahara, Rome, the Alps and London, so no wonder the team are exhausted.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments