Sam Mendes may direct next 007 flick

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 5 (UPI) -- British director Sam Mendes is in talks to shoot an upcoming installment in the James Bond film franchise, sources told The Hollywood Reporter.

Mendes' films include "Revolutionary Road," "Road to Perdition," "Jarhead" and "American Beauty."

"Casino Royale" and "Quantum of Solace" scribes Neal Purvis and Robert Wade are penning the next Bond screenplay with Peter Morgan, who wrote "Frost/Nixon" and "The Queen," the entertainment industry trade newspaper said.

If negotiations go well, production might begin as early as June for a planned 2011 release, The Hollywood Reporter said.

David Craig reportedly is onboard to play the dashing secret agent for a third time. Craig previously collaborated with Mendes on "Road to Perdition."