Sam Mendes to Direct 23rd James Bond Film!

Five days into 2010 and we finally have some awesome news to report! American Beauty and Road to Perdition director Sam Mendes is reportedly signed on to direct the 23rd James Bond film. Heat Vision is reporting that the Oscar winning director will take on the project which returns actor Daniel Craig to the role of James Bond. This is finally some positive news to report after rumors of MGM delaying production on the movie over budget concerns.  It is interesting to see Mendes take on an action movie of this caliber. His previous work includes dark, thought-provoking dramas, which are not the typical popcorn fare as a James Bond movie will be. The news broke this afternoon and there has been an update to the story (via Nikki Finke) who states that Mendes is in fact not directing, but has been hired on as a consultant by MGM. This information has yet to be confirmed so continue reading for more on this story.

Here is what Nikkin Finke is reporting about Sam Mendes being hired as a consultant for Bond 23:

“The producers are working on a deal to bring Sam on as consultant with an eye to direct,” one of my insiders says. “Once they put him on as the director, something happens to the contract in terms of ownership. But let me emphasize there’s not any deal done.”

I am sure we will hear more news on this as the story develops. You have to admit this is great news for the Bond franchise which was revitalized in 2006 with Casino Royale. The last bond film was 2008′s Quantum of Solace which was the second Bond film to star Daniel Craig. While Sam Mendes may be an odd choice to direct an action movie I think he could bring some appealing style to the franchise as we have seen before in his previous films. What do you think of the news? Can Sam Mendes bring the heat for a 23rd Bond film? Share with us your thoughts below.