Sam Mendes to direct next James Bond film

CULVER CITY, Calif., July 12 (UPI) -- British filmmaker Sam Mendes is to direct the next James Bond adventure, due out in theaters in fall 2015, the as-yet-untitled movie's producers announced.

Mendes helmed the 2012 blockbuster "Skyfall," which was the highest-grossing film of the current 23-film franchise with $1.1 billion in ticket sales at the global box office.

"Casino Royal," "Quantum of Solace" and "Skyfall" star Daniel Craig is to return for the fourth time to play the iconic British secret agent in what is being called for now "Bond 24."

"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 Thursday.

"We are thrilled to reunite the extraordinary talents of director Sam Mendes with our star Daniel Craig for the next great Bond adventure," said Gary Barber, chairman and chief executive officer of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. "As evidenced by the phenomenal success of our last collaboration with EON Productions and Sony, the incredible legacy of this 51-year-old franchise continues to amaze."