Daniel Craig has reportedly told producers he is “done” playing James Bond and will not appear in the next film in the franchise.
Craig has played 007 for the last four films and is reported to have turned down a £68m offer to take on the role for a fifth time.
A source told the Daily Mail that “huge amounts of money” were being put in front of Craig to keep him in the role with endorsements, profit shares, and a co-producing role all on the table.
“Daniel is done – pure and simple – he told top brass at MGM after Spectre,” the source said. “They threw huge amounts of money at him, but it just wasn’t what he wanted.
“He had told people after shooting that this would be his final outing, but the film company still felt he could come around after Spectre if he was offered a money deal.”
GettyThese latest rumours come amid the recent news that bookmakers Coral suspended betting on British actor Tom Hiddlestone taking over as Bond.
The bookamaker reported a swell of activity around Hiddleston lst weekend and cut his odds to 1-2 before suspendeding betting altogether. The Night Manager actor was reportedly spotted meeting with Bond director Sam Mendes last week.
Craig has portrayed iconic fictional secret agent James Bond in four films since 2006, appearing inCasino Royale, 2008’s Quantum of Solace, 2012’s Skyfall and last year’s Spectre.
While promoting Spectre, Craig famously said he would rather “slash my wrists” than play 007 again. However, he later appeared to backtrack from this comment.