Daniel Craig has been an elusive character the past year, which is worrying Bond executives as they believe he still has a couple of movies in him and wish for him to continue playing the role.
Can they not remember that his character disappeared in Skyfall after getting shot, took a load of coke and was even seen drinking Heineken? Do they not know that he spent 14 months in a dodgy Korean prison in Die Another Day, getting stung by scorpions and growing a beard longer than St Nick's? He's disappeared before and he'll re-emerge stronger.
After filming Spectre, Daniel Craig told Time Out he'd 'rather slash his wrists' than play the world's most suave and sophisticated spy on the planet, immortalised by Ian Fleming. This prompted people to believe Craig's portrayal of 007 was at an end, sparkling speculation surrounding Damian Lewis, Aidan Turner, Idris Elba, Michael Fassbender, Tom Hiddleston (before Hiddleswift) and a whole host of other actors who were supposedly ready to step into his shoes.
Then there were reports MGM (Metro Goldwyn Mayer - the roaring lion) was willing to cough up $150 million for him to reprise the role. Then it all went quiet. Just like Craig right now on whether he will take the responsibility.
Apparently planning for the next movie in the franchise has begun and is set for release in 2018, but there's still now word from the 48-year-old on whether he'll be at the helm.
A source reportedly told the Daily Mirror: "Daniel and MGM are currently at a stalemate with him having not spoken to them about Bond.
"They have offered a bigger wage deal, and asked about his filming availability to his reps in 2017, but as yet they have not spoken to Daniel."
"They want Bond 25 out in October 2018, but currently they have no Bond, film dates or knowledge of when that will change.
"Daniel's commitment is also a key part of whether Sony Pictures will come in to co-finance the film. So much is hanging in the air - and no-one knows."
The British actor is still in regular contact with executive producer Babs Broccoli, though, as he is working with her in Othello on stage in New York, but there's no word on what he's intimated to her.
Let's be honest, he should take it: what is he going to do that's better? There's also been a serious investment in the storyline and he has good on-screen chemistry with Ben Whishaw, Rory Kinnear, Naomie Harris and Ralph Fiennes.
Alternatively, my mum used to go out with Timothy Dalton (true story), which I think makes me a strong contender for the position or to be involved as an extra. Any extra. Literally a spilt second is great. Happy to die. Happy to do anything. Hit me up MGM.
Advert
All image credits: MGM
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Daniel Craig, James Bond