Just over a month ago we were speculating if Sam Mendes and Daniel Craig would return to the James Bond franchise after their insanely successful "Skyfall".  Well, the "might return" has turned into a "will return".  Earlier today, Bond producers Barbara Broccoli and her half-brother Michael Wilson confirmed that Daniel Craig will return for a 4th run as Bond, and "Skyfall" director Sam Mendes will take directing duties for the film which will also be written by "Skyfall" screenwriter John Logan.

"Following the extraordinary success of 'Skyfall,' we're really excited to be working once again with Daniel Craig, Sam Mendes and John Logan.”

Originally, Mendes had declined the offer to return to direct the next Bond film, citing his commitment to several Broadway theater projects.  However, Broccoli and Wilson reportedly decided to halt pre-production to allow Mendes time to attend to his theater commitments.  According to a statement by Mendes,

“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. 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' return will make him the first back-to-back Bond director since John Glen directed five consecutive Bond films from 1981's "For Your Eyes Only" to 1989's "License To Kill".  Apart from the confirmation that Mendes would be returning, this statement also confirmed that Daniel Craig would be 007 once again.  There have been many rumors circulating since production of Craig's first Bond film "Casino Royale" about the duration of Craig's deal to play Bond, some saying he's on a picture-to-picture deal while others say he's confirmed for at least to "Bond 27".  While Craig's status was in question, actors like "Luther" star Idris Elba and current Superman Henry Cavill (the runner-up for Bond in "Casino Royale") were rumored to be courted by producers for the role.

"Skyfall" brought in $1.1 billion world-wide, making it the highest grossing film in the history of the United Kingdom.  It also became the best selling Bond film on Blu-ray and DVD, as well as the most critically acclaimed film in the 51-year history of the franchise.  Given that success, its only natural for producers to want to put the successful pieces of the puzzle back together.  The only remaining uncertain piece to that puzzle is the status of Adele as the singer of the theme song.  Almost immediately after Adele won the Academy Award for the theme to "Skyfall", stories quickly surfaced that EON Productions were working to sign Adele to a multi-film deal as the official voice of the Bond themes.

More From 102.3 The Bull