Sam Mendes will not direct the next James Bond film once "Spectre" is finished.

In an interview with the BBC a few weeks ago the director said, "I don't think I could go down that road again. You do have to put everything else on hold. I said no to the last one and then ended up doing it, and was pilloried by all my friends. But I do think this is probably it."

The task has been a large one for Mendes as both "Skyfall" and "Spectre" have taken him five years to make. These two films marked Mendes' first time making a large action blockbuster.

"It feels almost, even though we've just finished shooting it, like one big experience, and it was a fantastic life-changing thing," He said. "It really is more a lifestyle choice than a job."

Mendes was best known for his work on "American Beauty" and "Revolutionary Road" before making the James Bond films. Most audience members were sceptic when he signed on because of his lack of experience with the action genre. However, "Skyfall" became one of the most beloved in the series and scored a number of Oscar nominations.

The question now stands on who will direct the next installment. The first two James Bond films with Daniel Craig were directed by Marc Foster and Martin Campbell. Both directors are widely renowned in Hollywood and have made diverse films. Sony has been very careful in choosing the directors of the Bond series as the studio hopes to continue to make solid installments.

There has not been any mention on who will take over the job but perhaps it could be another indie director. That seems to be the trend nowadays as studios hire inexperienced, breakout directors to do major studio films.

Colin Trevorrow, for example, was hired for "Jurassic World" after "Safety Not Guaranteed," and Josh Trank was hired for "Fantastic Four" after "Chronicle." Both directors had breakouts with there smaller productions and received acclaim. Rian Johnson and Gareth Edwards are also examples of small Indie filmmakers who have been hired for bigger blockbusters, and they both will direct "Star Wars" films for Disney.

The choice is still unknown, though it will probably be revealed closer to the release of "Spectre."

"Spectre" is set to be released on Nov. 6.

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