Sam Mendes Is Done With the James Bond Franchise, Yes, Really

Mendes is officially done with James Bond, and it’s hard not to believe that he’s for-really-real about it considering the rampant rumors (with supporting evidence) of Daniel Craig’s exit.

As for who might replace him in the Bond franchise, Mendes says he hopes the next director comes from an “unexpected direction,” much as he had.

Explaining the reason for his exit, Mendes echoed a similar statement he made last year: “I’m a storyteller.