Amidst James Bond casting rumors, a new report suggests that Barbara Broccoli and co. will do whatever it takes to keep Daniel Craig for two more movies.
By all accounts, Spectre was to be Daniel Craig’s final James Bond movie.
The four-time Bond actor was so openly fed up with what he deemed a “misogynist” character, famously proclaiming that he’d “rather break this glass and slash my wrists” than returning for another installment.
Closer to the movie’s release date, however, a slightly less aggressive Craig conceded that if he were to return, “it would only be for the money.”
And just maybe, Columbia Pictures has enough £££ to entice Daniel Craig to remain on for two more films. £150 million, to be exact. (That’s just over $200 million!)
According to an anonymous source quoted by celebrity news site Radar (via The Telegraph), “The studio is desperate to secure the actor’s services while they phase in a younger long-term successor.”
Last week, we reported an alleged replacement actor shortlist, which both included older contenders like Idris Elba and Tom Hiddleston, and 20-something lesser known actors Jamie Bell and James Norton. If this information is correct, the studio might be considering one of the latter two actors as Craig’s eventual successor.
Related: It’s official: Sam Mendes won’t return to direct Bond 25
Daniel Craig debuted as James Bond in 2006, with the critically acclaimed Casino Royale. The follow-up Quantum of Solace wasn’t a huge hit, but Skyfall is generally regarded as one of the strongest Bond films to date. This year’s Spectre failed to strike gold with fans, but remains well-liked. For his part, Craig is still very much ‘in’ as Bond — meaning that many fans aren’t ready to see him hang up the suit and tie just yet.
“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,” the source tells Radar.
And while the James Bond franchise might benefit for some fresh blood, if the studio is indeed planning to skew younger with the next 007, “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.”
Earlier this year, it was reported that Craig turned down a £68m offer to return for two more films. At this point, the sum is too unfathomable to fathom — unless Daniel Craig is planning to do something truly spectacular with that money, like buy a country or save the world, then surely an extra 100-ish million won’t make a difference at this point. Or has this all been some very elaborate salary negotiation? Do we even want such a scornful Bond back for two more films? Discuss!