Following months of rumors, Sony Pictures, MGM and producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli announced today that Sam Mendes will return to direct the 24th installment of the James Bond franchise. Once again starring Daniel Craig, the film will open Oct. 23, 2015 in the United Kingdom and Nov. 6, 2015 in the United States.

The director, whose Skyfall grossed more than $1.1 billion worldwide, had said in March that his work on stage productions of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and King Lear would prevent him from helming the next entry in the spy series. But two months later a report emerged indicating that Mendes was in talks with the studios.

“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," Mendes said in today's announcement. "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."

Wilson and Broccoli added, “Following the extraordinary success of Skyfall, we’re really excited to be working once again with Daniel Craig, Sam Mendes and [screenwriter] John Logan.”