It's been three years since James Bond last blew our minds with "Skyfall." Now, director Sam Mendes and Daniel Craig are back with "Spectre," the 24th entry in the 007 franchise.

This new mission might just be Bond's toughest -- and most personal -- yet, as he travels the globe and takes on the organization of super-secret villains known as SPECTRE. To help you prepare for this huge sequel, here's a breakdown of the five things you need to know to get the full Bond experience.

1. Bond Is On the Run
As self-absorbed and headstrong as James Bond is, it shouldn't come as any great shock that the elite secret agent is at odds with his bosses in this new sequel. After receiving a message from his past, 007 goes off the grid (shocker) to Mexico City, in search of SPECTRE. And with MI-6 under turmoil by politicians trying to revamp the organization, no one is happy to see Bond taking matters into his own hands and going rogue. Look for Bond's travels to take him to everywhere from Italy to Morocco in this sequel.

2. It Brings Bond Back to His Roots
"Spectre" will continue "Skyfall's" trend of bringing classic, '60s-era Bond elements back into play. Not only does Bond have Miss Moneypenny and Q backing him up, he'll be dealing with the rise of the classic organization of villains known as SPECTRE. This shadowy group was last seen in 1971's "Diamonds are Forever." Even an early trailer for the film featured a version of composer John Barry's theme from 1969's "On Her Majesty's Secret Service." There's also a callback to the white dinner jacket (pictured) that Bond hasn't worn since the Roger Moore-era. Hopefully all of this means that "Spectre" will appeal as much to fans of the Sean Connery Bond era as the current incarnation.

3. Bond's Haunted by His Past
The Bond franchise has never been overly concerned about maintaining continuity between films. However, "Spectre" will draw on plot points from Craig's previous three films. Jesper Christensen's Mr. White (previously seen in "Casino Royale" and "Quantum of Solace") will return as the film explores the connections between the Quantum organization and Spectre. Bond himself will be driven by his failure to protect Judi Dench's M in the climax of "Skyfall." Also look for this sequel to shed more light on Bond's mysterious, tragic past that lead him to be an orphan.

4. This Time... It's Personal (Especially for the Villain)
Look for Bond to be squaring off against several foes this time around, of both the physical and political variety. Two-time Oscar-winner Christoph Waltz will play Franz Oberhauser, a high-ranking SPECTRE member who claims to have close ties to Bond. Dave Bautista ("Guardians of the Galaxy") will play Mr. Hinx, a skilled assassin in the tradition of villains like Jaws and Oddjob. And Andrew Scott ("Sherlock") will play Max Denbigh, a British government official with plans to radically change the scope and purpose of the new M's intelligence organization.

5. James Bond Will Return... But What About Daniel Craig?
Nothing has been confirmed yet, but "Spectre" could very well be Daniel Craig's final bow as 007.

The actor hasn't been shy in recent interviews about voicing his weariness with the franchise, even going so far as to tell Time Out Magazine, "I'd rather break this glass and slash my wrists." If Craig doesn't reprise the role in the 25th Bond film, fans have pointed to actors like Idris Elba ("The Wire") and Damian Lewis ("Homeland") as worthy replacements.