Sam Mendes back in talks to direct next 007 film

Sam Mendes has resumed talks with the producers of the James Bond films about the possibility of directing the next movie in the series.

The 'Skyfall' director, who previously ruled himself out due to other commitments, is believed to be reconsidering, the BBC reported.

According to Deadline.com, Mendes' change of heart was encouraged by Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, who waited for him.

Mendes helmed the last instalment, Skyfall, which was an audience-pleasing film that grossed over 1.1 billion dollars worldwide to become the biggest Bond film and the eighth-highest-grossing film of all time.

Mendes was invited to direct Skyfall's successor but he turned down the offer because of theatre commitments in London.

It is believed that the Bond team is ready to postpone production on the next Bond feature until Mendes is available.

Other leading directors, who are rumoured to have been approached, include Ang Lee, Christopher Nolan and Nicolas Winding Refn.