In spite of the recent release of a shortlist of eight actors who are up for replacing Craig as Bond, the latest news suggests that, actually, the preference is to keep Craig on, for as long as possible anyway.
According to Radar Online, Sony is offering Daniel Craig $150 million to reprise his role in two more instalments of the James Bond franchise.
The source told Radar Online: ‘The studio is desperate to secure the actor’s services while they phase in a younger long-term successor.’
Craig has played 007 in four films – Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace, Skyfall and Spectre.
Radar Online’s source says that the actor ‘has played a genius hand. Everyone knows how much executives adore him, and the idea of losing him at such a crucial time in the franchise isn’t an option as far as all the studio honchos are concerned.
‘Daniel’s the key for a seamless, safe transition as far as Sony and Bond bosses are concerned, and they’re prepared to pay a king’s ransom to make it happen.’
Reportedly, Sony will soon announce that the studio is re-upping the distribution rights for the Bond series, meaning billions of dollars in revenue. They will then shoot two films, it is hoped, with Craig as Bond, before he passes the role onto a new actor ‘for a third movie that will mark the start of the new era.’
This could suggest that the ‘new Bond’ could be introduced at some stage in the first or second instalment of the new trilogy.
Daniel Craig infamously said that he'd rather slash his wrists than return as Bond, but such a huge offer could change his mind.
What do you think of the latest? Is Craig’s time over or should he help ease one of the new guys in?
Let us know in the comments.
Via Radar Online