Filmmaker Sam Mendes has decided not to direct the upcoming 24th James Bond film due to work committments; however, producers are hopeful that he will return to helm the franchise.

Producer Barbara Broccoli told Getty Images Entertainment: "We will get him back. We haven't given up hope. Maybe not for the next one. but we will get him back again."

Co-producer, screenwriter Michael G. Wilson added: "We are working on him. [With all these awards] we hope that maybe he will have gotten inspired to come back."

Mendes is working on several projects, including theatre productions of "Charlie A...

Helen Mirren has taken director Sam Mendes to task for failing to mention any female influences during an acceptance speech for the Empire Inspiration Award.

"I don't want to unduly pick on Sam Mendes, but when he spoke about his inspirations earlier this evening, I'm afraid not a single one of the people he mentioned was a woman," Mirren said after picking up the Empire Legend award.

She continued, "Hopefully in five or 10 years, when Sam's successor is collecting their Inspiration award, the list will be slightly more balanced in terms of its sexual make-up. In the meantime, this one is...

Sam Mendes has ruled himself out of directing the next James Bond movie following the runaway success of last year's Skyfall in order to concentrate on his theatre commitments.

The 23rd 007 adventure, starring Daniel Craig as the iconic superspy, grossed $1.1 billion at the box office and won a slew of honors during the 2012-13 awards season, including two Oscars.

However, Mendes will not be re-teaming with producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli for the 24th Bond installment as he wants to focus on overseeing the upcoming London stage production of Roald Dahl tale Charlie And ...

Mena Suvari almost walked away from Hollywood forever when she became disillusioned with the movie industry after the huge success of American Beauty.

The blonde star shot to fame in Sam Mendes' multi-Oscar winning 1999 drama, and was nominated for a British Academy of Film and Television Arts Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as vain Angela Hayes.

She was hailed as one of Hollywood's hottest properties following her turn in the film - but Suvari has revealed she nearly quit making movies because she felt like a "pawn."

The actress tells Britain's You magazine, "I did have t...

One thing we love about James Bond is that you can always count on him to visit some of the most exotic and stunning locales in the world; each film is like "The Amazing Race," only with guns and satellites that shoot giant laser beams.

But there are certain risks inherent in filming elaborate stunts in world famous historical sites — such as, for instance, the possibility you might accidentally destroy them.

Case in point: According to The Guardian, a stuntman filming a scene for the upcoming Bond film "Skyfall" recently lost control of his motorcycle and obliterated a 330-year-old shop ...

Filmmaker Sam Mendes has finally confirmed he is dating actress Rebecca Hall, more than a year after the pair was first rumored to be romantically involved following his split from Kate Winslet.

The American Beauty director was linked to the 29 year old in the wake of his break-up from Winslet amid rumors his growing friendship with Hall, who he cast in two of his plays, had contributed to the disintegration of their marriage.

Mendes' representatives moved swiftly to quash any speculation of a romance, branding the reports "Utter nonsense. Untrue and ridiculous."

Hall also denied she ...

Javier Bardem is thrilled about the possibility of joining the James Bond franchise as the latest villain - he's been a fan of the superspy since he was a child.

The Spanish actor has confirmed he's in talks to star opposite Daniel Craig in the upcoming 23rd 007 movie, which is due for release in 2012. Bardem has met with the film's director Sam Mendes to discuss the role, and although he has yet to sign a contract, he reveals he's delighted to be considered for the job.

He tells the Los Angeles Times, "I'm a huge fan of the James Bond saga. When I was little, I went watching Mr. Conne...

Judi Dench has confirmed she'll be back as James Bond's boss in the much-anticipated 23rd 007 adventure.

The British thespian has played MI6 boss M in six Bond films and she'll return for her seventh this year.

She says, "I'm looking forward hugely to working with Daniel (Craig) again and with (director) Sam Mendes, who I've only ever worked with in the theater."

The new Bond film is expected to go into production later this year and will hit cinemas in November, 2012.

Actress Rachel Weisz is reportedly in talks with director Sam Mendes to star in the new James Bond movie, opposite her rumored new love interest Daniel Craig.

Filming on the 23rd 007 film is set to commence later this year and hit cinemas on 9 November, 2012.

Craig will reprise his role as the superspy for the Mendes-directed action movie - and Weisz, who was spotted strolling hand-in-hand with the actor over Christmas, is in negotiations to star opposite her alleged new lover, according to Britain's Grazia magazine.

A source tells the publication, "Rachel has been speaking with Sam for ...

James Bond is back - filming on the latest 007 adventure now has a release date.

Daniel Craig will return as the superspy in the 23rd Bond film, which will go before cameras later this year and hit cinemas on November 9, 2012.

The franchise was left hanging last year when film studio MGM went into bankruptcy.

The new Bond film will be Craig's third.

Bosses at MGM and EON Productions have confirmed Sam Mendes will direct the unnamed action movie.

British actor Craig's last outing as 007 was in 2008's "Quantum of Solace."

It was a shocking way to start the spring as March saw two of Hollywood's biggest star couples announce break-ups - Kate Winslet parted ways with her second husband Sam Mendes after seven years and Sandra Bullock's Oscar win was overshadowed after she found out partner Jesse James had cheated on her.

More scandals came as the month progressed, with fiery supermodel Naomi Campbell accused of attacking her driver by striking him on the head, and Michael Jackson's mum Katherine visited by welfare officials in Los Angeles over allegations one of her grandkids had purchased a stun gun.

Rapper ...

Kate Winslet has split from her model boyfriend Louis Dowler after just four months of dating, according to a U.K. report.

The star announced her separation from Sam Mendes, her husband of seven years, in March, and she was subsequently linked to British model Dowler.

They were spotted together in London over the summer and they made their first public appearance as a couple in September at a Vanity Fair photography exhibition in Spain.

But the relationship has now ended as Winslet wants to focus on her movie career and two young children, Mia and Joe, according to Britain's Mail on Sund...

Kate Winslet has gone public with her new boyfriend by treading the red carpet for the first time as a couple.

The Oscar-winning actress announced in March that she had separated from her husband of seven years Sam Mendes and she was subsequently linked to British model Louis Dowler.

Rumors of a blossoming new romance were fuelled when Winslet was pictured walking hand-in-hand with Dowler in London over the summer and now she appears to have confirmed the relationship with a red carpet outing to a Vanity Fair photography exhibition in Spain on Monday.

Dowler was pictured posing with h...

Kevin Spacey is reuniting with the director who helped him win an Academy Award in a new transatlantic theatre project.

The actor will star as Shakespeare's Richard III in a production due to open in New York and close in London, directed by Sam Mendes. Spacey and Mendes scooped Best Actor and Best Director Oscars for 1999 movie "American Beauty."

Announcing the project, due to open on Broadway in February 2012, Spacey says, "Sam is one of the finest directors I have had the pleasure to work with and to gain this opportunity is beyond my wildest hopes. With such a remarkable character be...

We spotted Kate Winslet and her boyfriend, British model Louis Dowler, hit the town together in London on Friday night. We think Kate looks great in her little black dress. What do you think?

The happy couple held hands as they left the Groucho Club before making their way to Mahiki nightclub in Mayfair. They returned to their hotel at nearly 3 a.m.

Kate and director Sam Mendes announced in March that their seven-year marriage had come to an end earlier this year. The split appeared to be amicable, with both of them stepping out in public with their children shortly after the news hit the...

Kate Winslet is reportedly moving on following her split from Sam Mendes - the actress has been linked to a younger male model.

The "Titanic" star is said to have met handsome Louis Dowler through mutual pals after ending her relationship with the American Beauty director earlier this year.

And the pair has since become inseparable, according to Britain's News of the World.

A source tells the publication, "Louis has been spending a lot of time with Kate recently and they were in New York together while he was shooting an advert.

"They've been on lots of dates and get on really well. It'...

Sam Mendes' representative has dismissed reports the director is preparing to reconcile with estranged wife Kate Winslet, insisting there is "no truth" to the speculation.

The stars announced in March that their seven-year marriage had come to an end earlier this year, but the split appeared to be amicable, with both of them stepping out in public with their children shortly after the news hit the headlines. Reports over the weekend claimed the former couple was attempting to save its marriage with a romantic summer break at their Gloucestershire, England manor house.

However, Mendes' s...

"Jarhead" co-stars Jake Gyllenhaal and Peter Sarsgaard fought for real on the set of the army movie, after a fight scene left the latter with a broken rib.

Sarsgaard admits he punched Gyllenhaal "as hard as he could in the windpipe" during a bout of "macho crap" intensified by their real life relationship - Sarsgaard is married to Gyllenhaal's sister Maggie.

The fight took place during a scene that required a mob of soldiers, including Gyllenhaal, to brand Sarsgaard's character.

Sarsgaard was hurt during the first take - he later discovered he had suffered a broken rib - and he snapped w...

Robert Downey Jr. is reportedly set to team up with director Sam Mendes to bring the Wizard Of Oz back to life.

The original 1939 movie, starring Judy Garland, became a cinematic classic, while another film based on L. Frank Baum's books, Return To Oz, was released by Disney in 1985.

Now, movie-makers are preparing to return to the Emerald City on the big screen in a new picture about the wonderful wizard, titled Oz The Great and Powerful. The film will be a prequel to the Garland movie, based on Baum's work, and will tell the story of a young circus magician who ends up ruler of the ma...

Romantically, things are looking bleak for celebrities right now. From Tiger’s betrayal to tattooed mistresses and out-of-nowhere divorces for seemingly stable couples, it looks like stars’ love lives are in shambles.

Here are some (unsolicited) suggestions for the lonely hearts in Tinseltown:

1. Tiger Woods

Wood’s divorce hasn’t been finalized, but considering the leaked texts, the harem of mistresses and the fact that his wife came at him with a golf club when she found out, it’s safe to say this swinger will soon be on the market. Woods should play it safe by dating casually instead o...

Slumdog Millionaire star Freida Pinto is "flattered" by rumors linking her to a role in the new 007 movie - but insists she's not "beautiful" enough to play a Bond girl.

Pinto was recently reported to have signed up to play Daniel Craig's love interest in the next James Bond blockbuster, which will be directed by Sam Mendes. A representative for the actress dismissed the rumors, confirming Pinto has "not been approached" by Bond bosses.

And the Indian beauty, 25, is convinced she would be the wrong choice for a role in the super-spy franchise.

She tells Britain's OK! magazine, "It was...

Lady Gaga is reportedly in negotiations with movie bosses to record the next James Bond theme tune.

Film chiefs are said to be eager to land the Poker Face hit-maker to perform the lead track for the forthcoming 007 movie, which will be directed by Sam Mendes.

A source tells Britain's The Sun, "Bond bosses are all huge Gaga fans. Her sound and sense of drama make her the top choice. Gaga has the look as well as the voice to tackle a thundering ballad. She's a great songwriter too. This is perfect on every level."

Previous stars to record Bond themes include Shirley Bassey and Paul McC...

Kate Winslet is "bearing up" after her split from husband Sam Mendes, according to the star's sister Anna.

The couple announced its separation earlier this month, revealing that their seven-year marriage came to an end at the beginning of 2010.

The pair has since been at the center of speculation that their marriage fell apart following arguments over Mendes' friendship with English actress Rebecca Hall, which the director's rep dismissed as, "Utter nonsense. Untrue and ridiculous."

However, despite the rumors, Winslet's family insists the Oscar-winner is adjusting well to single life, w...

A spokesperson for Freida Pinto has denied reports the actress has signed up to be Daniel Craig's next Bond girl.

British tabloids last week fueled speculation that the "Slumdog Millionaire" star has been chosen to appear in the next 007 movie, which will be directed by Sam Mendes and set in Afghanistan.

A source told the Daily Mirror, "Freida was always the dream Bond girl, but initially she was nervous about accepting it. This is going to be the most ambitious 007 yet."

However, Pinto's rep has dismissed the stories, insisting movie bosses have not asked the actress to star in the a...

The latest news about Sandra Bullock's husband, Jesse James, allegedly cheating on her and the recent revelation that Kate Winslet is splitting from her husband, director Sam Mendes, leads us to believe that perhaps their recent Best Actress Oscar wins have something to do with it.

Yes folks, it appears that an 'Oscar Curse' has been running wild in Hollywood for the last decade. The curse appears to have begun in 2001, when Julia Roberts won the award for her performance in "Erin Brockovich". Shortly after her win (although not married to each other) she dumped boyfriend Benjamin Bratt.

...

A representative for Sam Mendes has furiously denied allegations his marriage to Kate Winslet broke down after he struck up a relationship with British actress Rebecca Hall - branding the claims "ridiculous," "utter nonsense" and "untrue".

The couple announced their split on Monday, revealing their seven-year marriage came to an end earlier this year. Speculation has been rife over the reason for the break-up, and recent reports alleged Winslet ended the union after her husband grew close to Hall, who was cast in two of his plays.

However, a spokesman for Mendes is adamant the reports a...

John Krasinski and Maya Rudolph star in the new Sam Mendes film Away We Go about a couple that leaves their stable life behind to find the ideal location to settle down for their soon-to-be-expanded family.

John joined us to discuss his new film as well as his love for the late David Foster Wallace, his disappointment with former Red Sox star Manny Ramirez and his character Jim Halpert on a little show called The Office.

Mike: How did you get involved with Away We Go?

John Krasinski: Believe it or not, that crazy thing you feel never happens, happened. Which is I got a call ...

Since the dawn of the American cinematic blockbuster in the late 1970s and early 1980s, moviegoers have eagerly waited for May - the unofficial beginning of summertime. This summer is no different. Films, and most popular media, are social mirrors, and this summer season supports that. The large box office contenders all deal with very similar themes: escapism and the support of the lone, outlaw hero figure (X-Men Origins: Wolverine, Star Trek, Terminator Salvation, Up, Transformers 2, Public Enemies, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra, Inglourious Basterds, et...

It's rare that commercials are actually right, but today they are when they claim that a film based on the "Most-Acclaimed Graphic Novel of All Time" will be released.

That film, and novel, is "Watchmen" of course. The movie comes from the 12-part comic series from Alan Moore ("From Hell", "V for Vendetta") that was quickly packaged into a graphic novel upon its completion. Many consider this series the greatest in the history of comics and the subsequent novel actually made it onto Time Magazine's 100 Greatest Novels of the Century List. Needless to say, there's no doubting its acc...

Everyone's least (or most) favorite holiday is...Valentine's Day! If you're in a relationship be fortunate that every smooch you two share won't be plastered all over Us Weekly. For all you single people out there, don't call out sick from work and mope around your house in your pajamas with Ben and Jerry. You'll find love one day, just like these cute celebrity couples!

Kevin Bacon & Kyra Sedgwick - This couple gives you hope that Hollywood marriage can work!

- Click here for the next couple! -

Brad Pitt & Angelina Jolie - What do you get when you cr...