Sam Mendes is directing, John Logan is writing and Daniel Craig, of course, will be James Bond. But in one crucial respect, Bond 24 won't look quite the same as Skyfall. The legendary Roger Deakins will not be returning as the film's cinematographer.
At dinner with Deakins last night I learned some news that makes me sad: He won't be shooting the next Bond. > > — Kristopher Tapley (@kristapley) [February 16, 2014](https://twitter.com/kristapley/statuses/435180409492471808)
Hitfix's Kristopher Tapley broke the news on Twitter, following dinner with the eleven-time Oscar nominee. Justly famed for his frequent work with the Coen Brothers, Deakins also shot Jarhead and Revolutionary Road for Mendes. It's not yet clear why he's not up for more Bond, but as Tapley tweeted later, "it'll certainly clear up some time for other things..."
Deakins' most recent gig was on Angelina Jolie's Unbroken, about Olympic runner and Japanese POW Louis Zamperini. The Coens wrote the screenplay.
But what's next for him has not been announced, nor has his successor on Bond 24. Will Mendes follow the Coens' lead and draft in Inside Llewyn Davis' Bruno Delbonnel? Or will he opt to make his second Bond opus look radically different to the gorgeous Skyfall? The decision will have to be made soon - if the deal isn't done already - since shooting on Bond 24 will be kicking off shortly, for its release in October, 2015.
Jolie's Unbroken is currently in post-production for a release next January.