James Bond ‘Skyfall’ Director Sam Mendes To Return For Bond 24, Four Months After Saying No; Second Filmmaker Ever To Lead Consecutive Bond Movies

James Bond "Skyfall" director Sam Mendes will return to direct the 24th Bond film in the series. Just four months ago, Sam Mendes said he wouldn't have time to direct another Bond movie. Daniel Craig will also reprise his role as James Bond. Since the beginning of the series, Mendes will be only the second filmmaker to direct consecutive Bond movies.

Bond 24, which does not have an official title, is due for release in the fall of 2015, BBC News reports. The script will be written by Oscar winner, John Logan.

Sam Mendes expressed enthusiasm about signing on for the next Bond movie: "I am very pleased that by giving me the time I need to honor all my theater commitments, the producers have made it possible for me to direct Bond 24. I very much look forward to taking up the reins again, and to working with Daniel Craig, Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli for a second time," Mendes said in a statement.

However, this is a huge turn-around, as the director said just months ago that he would not be able to return to direct Bond 24.

"It has been a very difficult decision not to accept Michael[Wilson] and Barbara [Broccoli's] very generous offer to direct the next Bond movie," he told Empire Magazine, referring to the franchise's executive producers, The Hollywood Reporter writes. "Directing 'Skyfall' was one of the best experiences of my professional life, but I have theater and other commitments, including productions of 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' and 'King Lear', that need my complete focus over the next year and beyond."

Perhaps his change of heart comes from the Bond producers allowing Mendes to focus on his theater commitments before tackling another movie.

Skyfall made $1.1 billion at the worldwide box office. It was also the highest-grossing film of all time in the UK. Skyfall won two Oscars: Adele's theme song of the same name won best original song and the film also won an award for sound editing, according to BBC News.

BBC News reports Mendes is the second filmmaker to direct consecutive Bond movies; the first was former editor John Glen. He directed five films in a row between 1981 to 1989.