Despite frequently and loudly saying that he would not return to the James Bond franchise, it looks like 'Skyfall' director Sam Mendes has been roped in for another one. Well, another two, actually.

A new report claims that Mendes is back on board the James Bond train for 'Bond 24' and likely 'Bond 25,' following some pretty extensive negotiations.

The scoop comes from Showbiz 411, who have a healthy track record with Bond rumors (it was that column that first revealed Adele would sing the 'Skyfall' theme).

It makes sense that the Bond producers would fight tooth and nail to get Mendes back. After all, 'Skyfall' ended up being the highest-grossing James Bond movie in the 50-year history of the franchise and one of 2012's biggest hits. You don't fix what isn't broken, even when an important piece wants to take a break and return to stage theater. You keep that machine together by offering that piece a ton of money -- the Bond franchise's bank account is currently overflowing.

What's not confirmed is whether or not Mendes will bring cinematographer Roger Deakins back with him. Mendes' direction, Deakins' photography and Daniel Craig's James Bond are like a dream come true for 007 fans. For the first time in a long time, it's okay to get excited about this series without caveats. We can't wait to see what happens next.

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