Despite an intense search for the next James Bond director, all indications point to the return of "Skyfall" helmer Sam Mendes.
Showbiz 411 is reporting that the British director is in negotiations to do the upcoming Bond film and rumor has it that he will also do the 25th installment in the franchise. The online publication stated, "Well, I've got it as confirmed as it can be: Sam Mendes is the definite director of Bond 24 and most likely Bond 25. He's in, after exhaustive negotiations. Mendes obviously got what he wanted and will be a rich, rich man when his time with James Bond is over. The director of 'American Beauty' did want to keep his theater career alive and will, even with the long planning for the Bond movies. But 'Skyfall' was too much of a hit to let him go, and really no one else compared to him. Mendes and Daniel Craig will see 'Bond' through to the end."
The publication also added that there were no negotiations with Adele to sing the theme song for the upcoming movie because she was too busy planning her next album.
A few days ago it was rumored that Mendes would return but nothing had been confirmed. Deadline reported that Sony and MGM were in talks with Mendes to direct. Additionally it was noted that producers Michael Wilson and Barbara Broccoli had spoken with the director.
Prior to the news, Sony released a short list of possible directors to replace Mendes. Ang Lee (Life of Pi), Nicolas Winding Refn (Drive), Tom Hooper (Les Miserables), Shane Black (Iron Man 3) and Christopher Nolan (The Dark Knight Rises) were among the helmers who had been approached to direct the 24th installment.
Craig is currently in negotiation to reprise his role as James Bond for the next two movies; John Logan is currently writing the new script.