He’s one of the most in-demand directors in the industry, and Sam Mendes has to pick and choose his projects very carefully.

And though his work on “Skyfall” helped it become the highest-grossing James Bond 007 flick of all time, Mendes isn’t looking to helm the next film in the series.

Mendes explained, “It has been a very difficult decision not to accept Michael and Barbara’s very generous offer to direct the next Bond movie.”

“Directing Skyfall was one of the best experiences of my professional life, but I have theater and other commitments including productions of Charlie And The Chocolate Factory and King Lear, that need my complete focus over the next year and beyond.”

Still, that doesn’t mean that Mendes won’t be back for a future Bond gig. Barbara Broccoli and Michael Wilson told press, “We thoroughly enjoyed working with Sam, he directed our most successful Bond movie ever, Skyfall. We would have loved to have made the next film with him, but completely respect his decision to focus on other projects and hope to have the opportunity to collaborate with him again.”