Sony has announced that James Bond Skyfall director Sam Mendes will return for the twenty-fourth outing of the world’s favorite secret agent.

Mendes had went on record earlier this year to say that he would not return to direct the next James Bond movie, so today’s news will be welcomed by fans who loved Skyfall.

“I am very pleased that by giving me the time I need to honor all my theatre commitments, the producers have made it possible for me to direct ‘Bond 24,'” said Mendes in a statement today. “I very much look forward to taking up the reins again, and to working with Daniel Craig, Michael Wilson and Barbara Broccoli for a second time.”

With today’s announcement we learned that Bond 24 will be released October 23, 2015 in the United Kingdom and November 6, 2015 in the United States.

Reports of Mendes’ potential involvement first surfaced in May. Skyfall was a runaway success for Sony and is believed to be one of the best Bond films in recent history.

It made $1.1 billion at the worldwide box office which gave it the title of Most Financially Successful Bond Movie. With these aspects in mind, it was only natural that the studio really wanted Mendes back.

Bond 24 will see Ralph Fiennes take on the role of M following the departure of Judi Dench’s character in Skyfall. Penelope Cruz is rumored to be the film’s Bond girl.