Sam Mendes won't direct next James Bond film

London: Oscar-winning filmmaker Sam Mendes, who directed the last two James Bond films "Spectre" and "Skyfall", has announced that he will not return to helm another film in the popular franchise.

"It was an incredible adventure, I loved every second of it. But I think it's time for somebody else, Mendes said at the Hay Festival 2016 in Wales, reports variety.com.

I'm a storyteller. And at the end of the day, I want to make stories with new characters, he added.

It's unclear whether actor Daniel Craig, who has been playing the role of the famous British spy since last four instalments, will return for next part.

Rumours have swirled about his potential replacement, the most prominent names being Tom Hiddleston, Idris Elba and Jamie Bell.