'James Bond' Director Promises A Surprise In Store When New 007 Actor Is Announced

‘James Bond’ director Sam Mendes has addressed speculation surrounding the future of the franchise.

For more than a year now, Idris Elba’s name has gone hand in hand with rumours about him playing 007, while in the past few weeks, it has been claimed that Tom Hiddleston is being lined up to succeed Daniel Craig, who is thought to have bid farewell to the ‘Bond’ film series.

However, Sam Mendes - who directed the franchise’s two most recent instalments, ‘Skyfall’ and ‘Spectre’ - has now had his say, insisting that nothing is set in stone yet.

As reported in The Telegraph, he said: “There’s this constant debate about who’s going to be the next Bond. The truth is - and here’s the headline: it’s not a democracy.

“It’s not ‘The X Factor’, it’s not the EU referendum, it’s not a public vote.”

He continued: “[‘Bond’ producer] Barbara Broccoli chooses who’s going to be the next Bond: end of story.”

And while Tom Hiddleston was recently reported to have held a meeting with Barbara Broccoli, Sam has insisted that doesn’t mean anything, adding: “I can guarantee whatever happens with it, it will not be what you expect. That’s what she’s been brilliant at, and that’s how it’ll survive.

“It’s not a public vote, and I think we’re in an age where everything is deemed votable on. Some things just aren’t and it’s better that way.”

Sam also confirmed that he won’t be returning to direct the new film, insisting that it’s time to pass the baton on to someone else.

Jamie Bell was a name recently linked to the role of James Bond, while Twitter users recently called for ‘The X Files’ actress Gillian Anderson to land the part, in what would be a first for the film series.

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