The next installment of the James Bond franchise is already in pre-production, and, according to reports, Sony Pictures and MGM are in talks with Sam Mendes to return to direct the film.

Mendes was the favorite to direct to direct the next installment, but had originally bowed out because of a commitment to his  stage musical "Charlie And The Chocolate Factory" and "King Lear". However, he has recently been in touch with producers Michael Wilson and Barbara Broccoli.  They definitely wanted him back for the job, so they decided to wait until Mendes' schedule to clear up. Production on the film is said to begin next year.

Others rumored to be in the running for the job were Ang Lee, Nicolas Winding Refn and Christopher Nolan.