Sam Mendes Says ‘Spectre’ Is His Final James Bond Movie

After directing both Skyfall and Spectre back to back, Sam Mendes appears to be done with the James Bond franchise. That may come as a disappointment to 007 fans who were thrilled with Mendes’ work on Skyfall and are highly anticipating Spectre — judging by the trailers, we’re in for another great Bond outing.

In an interview with BBC Radio, Mendes revealed that he initially planned on exiting the franchise after Skyfall, saying, “I said no to the last one and then ended up doing it, and was pilloried by all my friends.” He added that Spectre is “probably it” for him in the world of James Bond. And although he had a great time filming both movies (it took five years total to shoot both), he’s ready to move on:

It feels almost, even though we’ve just finished shooting it, like one big experience and it was a fantastic life-changing thing. It really is more a lifestyle choice than a job. I don’t think I could go down that road again.

Mendes additionally revealed that the new Bond theme song for Spectre has already been recorded, though he would not reveal the identity of the singer behind it.

Spectre features Daniel Craig reprising the role of James Bond in his fourth outing as the iconic agent, and though he’s been rumored to return for the next film, contradictory rumors have suggested Spectre may be his final Bond film as well.

Spectre also stars Christoph Waltz, Ralph Fiennes, Naomie Harris, Ben Whishaw, Lea Seydoux, Monica Bellucci and Dave Bautista, and hits theaters on November 6.