'Skyfall's' Sam Mendes in talks to direct next Mission impossible movie

sources: Reuters

After initially resisting the urge to go back for the next installment, "Skyfall" director Sam Mendes is early discussions to direct the subsequent 007 movie for Sony, MGM and Eon Productions, TheWrap has learned.

Mendes had been focusing his attention on launching the West End stage musical "Charlie as well as the Chocolate Factory," prompting Bond producers Michael Wilson and Barbara Broccoli in order to meet with other filmmakers for the coveted gig, including Nicolas Winding Refn ("Drive").

Given that the light source has appeared towards the end on the "Chocolate" tunnel, Mendes has told the producers that he's prepared to take going back to the 007 franchise, which is riding sky high within the strength of "Skyfall's" $1.1 billion worldwide gross.

As recently as last week, Mendes' publicist told TheWrap that he was "out" of the running, following vehement denials on April 24 ("Not TRUE … He or she is definitely moving forward") and may even 9 ("It ain't happening").

Sony declined comment, but somebody with familiarity with the project told TheWrap that Mendes is at talks to take the Bond mantle again.

Mendes is in line for just a major payday if he returns, and should his deal close, production for the 24th 007 movie would start pick up. Daniel Craig will don the tuxedo yet again, and "Skyfall" writer John Logan has been enlisted to create the script.