In the past, Christopher Nolan has expressed interest in directing a James Bond film.  Last summer, Nolan, a long-time fan of the series, said he was serious about the prospect, but added “It would have to be the right situation and the right time in their cycle of things.”  Although it is absolutely not the right time in their cycle of things, Daily Mail reports that there have been informal talks about directing James Bond 24 between Nolan and Bond producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G .Wilson.  As you may recall, Broccoli and Wilson tried to get Skyfall director Sam Mendes to return, but he passed on the gig.  In March, we learned that MGM wanted a new Bond movie within 3 years, so the clock is ticking to get someone in the director’s chair.

The assumption that Nolan would direct Bond 24 is preposterous because Nolan is at work on Interstellar.  Pre-production is underway, roles have been cast, and a November 7, 2014 release date has been set.  Unless Nolan wants to piss off everyone at Paramount and Warner Bros (the studios behind Interstellar), he’s not doing Bond 24.  If there have been any informal talks, I believe they would be for James Bond 25.  That would be the smart, pro-active move, but right now the focus should be (and will be) on who’s doing the 24th film.

Sam Mendes has never done a sequel, but he had never done an action movie before Skyfall, and that turned out pretty well.  Today, the Daily Mail is reporting that Mendes is “’75 per cent’ of the way towards” returning for James Bond 24.  In November, we reported that Mendes has reportedly dreamed up a new scenario with Skyfall screenwriter John Logan, so the director was already looking ahead even though he hadn’t officially signed on.  However, in his interview with Steve, Mendes said he already did everything he wanted to do with a Bond movie in Skyfall.

Hit the jump for more on Mendes’ hesitation, if the next Bond will be a two-parter, and when we can expect to see 007′s next adventure.

After Skyfall opens next week, everyone is going to want more James Bond and want it quickly.  Several days ago, we reported that producers had hired Skyfall screenwriter John Logan to write not one, but a Bond duology, and he had set to work for scripts for both movies.  It would be a rare occurrence where the Bond films were linked as one big story rather than a loose connection like S.P.E.C.T.R.E. or Casino Royale to Quantum of Solace.  However, star Daniel Craig, who is contracted for Bond 24 and 25, has denied rumors of linked Bond sequels.

Hit the jump for more.