Since Sam Mendes declared last year that he will not direct the next installment of Bond film, many a name went afloat as probable directors of the next spy thriller. But nothing was certain as there was no official statement from the producers or the production house. Now, after months of speculation, it's been officially announced that Skyfall director Sam Mendes will indeed return to direct Daniel Craig in the next James Bond movie that has already been scheduled for release on 6 November, 2015. "I am very pleased that by giving me the time I need to honour all my theatre commitments, the producers have made it possible for me to direct Bond 24," says Mendes. "I very much look forward to taking up the reins again and work with Daniel Craig, Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli for a second time," he added. The 24th 007 film will be written by John Logan, whose screenplay for Skyfall brought a new depth to Ian Fleming's classic spy on the 50th anniversary of the blockbuster big-screen franchise. By taking on more than one 007 film, Mendes joins the ranks of celebrated Bond directors Terence Young (Dr. No, From Russia with Love, Thunderball), Guy Hamilton (Goldfinger, Diamonds Are Forever, Live and Let Die, The Man with the Golden Gun), Lewis Gilbert (You Only Live Twice, The Spy Who Loved Me, Moonraker), John Glen (For Your Eyes Only, Octopussy, A View to a Kill, The Living Daylights, License to Kill) and Martin Campbell (GoldenEye, Casino Royale).