Sam Mendes directing next James Bond film

It's official: Sam Mendes will direct the next James Bond movie. The 'Skyfall' director will return to helm the 24th instalment of the British spy franchise. He's had a change of heart after saying in several interviews that he would not return to the series.

Screenwriter John Logan and star Daniel Craig are also signed up for the next installment. The release date for Bond 24 is 23 October 2015.

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The news will delight 007 fans everywhere. Critics rated 'Skyfall' as one of the best 'Bond' movies ever - with our reviewer crediting Sam Mendes with returning "some fun and tradition back to the venerable franchise".

It's also the most commercially successful 'Bond' film ever - making more than $1.1 billion (£730 million) at the box office.

In a statement producers Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli said: "Following the extraordinary success of 'Skyfall', we're really excited to be working once again with Daniel Craig, Sam Mendes and John Logan.

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Mendes said: "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."

Gary Barber, Chairman & CEO of MGM, said: “We are thrilled to reunite the extraordinary talents of director Sam Mendes with our star Daniel Craig for the next great Bond adventure.” He added, “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.”