Sam Mendes is a man of his word. In his many conversations about Skyfall, the driector said he would only make the one James Bond film. While he was tempted to come back for the 24th installment of the series, especially after the film crossed the billion-dollar mark, he has officially announced he won't return to the franchise ... for now.

"It has been a very difficult decision not to accept Michael [G. Wilson] and Barbara [Broccoli]’s very generous offer to direct the next Bond movie," Mendes told Empire. "Directing Skyfall was one of the best experiences of my professional life, but I have theater and other commitments, including productions of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and King Lear, that need my complete focus over the next year and beyond."

Mendes did say he's not ruling out a return to Bond down the road, though. "I feel very honored to have been part of the Bond family and very much hope I have a chance to work with them again sometime in the future," Mendes said.

The Bond directing gig will be one of the most-watched hirings in Hollywood. There's a lot of pressure involved to follow-up the most successful James Bond film of all time.