LONDON (AP) -- Never say never again? Sam Mendes says he won't be directing the next James Bond film -- but may work on the series again in the future.

Mendes has been praised for his work on "Skyfall," the first Bond film to rake in more than $1 billion in revenue. But Mendes says he has made the "very difficult decision" to focus on other projects "over the next year and beyond." They include upcoming London stage productions of "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" and "King Lear."

In comments published by movie magazine Empire, Mendes said he was honored to have been part of the Bond family, "and very much hope I have a chance to work with them again."

"Skyfall" won two Oscars last month, including one for Adele's theme song.

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