Sam Mendes to direct next Bond movie?

London: Oscar-winning director Sam Mendes is said to be set to wield the megaphone for the 23rd instalment of the James Bond franchise.

The British director, married to Kate Winslet, is rumoured to be the front-runner to take charge of the next instalment of the spy franchise that will have Daniel Craig in the lead, reports imdb.com.

"Sam is one of the best directors around. His work on ’American Beauty’ and ’Road to Perdition’ suggest he could add even more realism to the character following on from the new direction Bond has taken over the last two films (’Casino Royale’ and ’Quantum of Solace’)," said a source.

The yet-untitled film will once again see Craig as Bond, while Michael Sheen may feature as notorious villain Blofeld. "Slumdog Millionaire" star Freida Pinto is being considered as the secret agent’s love interest.

It has also been reported that singing sensation Susan Boyle could be recording the theme song.