During the publicity tour for Spectre, his fourth James Bond movie in eleven years, Daniel Craig made known his desire to leave the franchise, specifically saying in one interview he’d rather slash his wrists than play the suave super spy one more time. So, yeah, he was determined to go, and now a new rumour is doing the rounds that he has gotten his wish and is done with the franchise. The Daily Mail, citing “one L.A. film source”, is reporting that Craig has turned down an offer of £68 million (about $100 million for our American friends) for two more movies, stating:
“Daniel is done – pure and simple – he told top brass at MGM after Spectre. 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.”
It is worth noting that Craig is signed up for Bond 25, but if Craig is genuinely disinterested in continuing the role (and I think it’s safe to say that’s a big yes), MGM don’t really gain anything by keeping him on. And even though Spectre was a massive box office draw (admittedly coasting on the success of Skyfall), reviews were less than positive, so clearing the board and restarting might be the best bet for them. There has been a huge groundswell for Tom Hiddleston to take on the role for the 25th movie, and if this report is true, it might be in MGM’s best interest to make that a reality.
“Daniel is done – pure and simple – he told top brass at MGM after Spectre. 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.”
It is worth noting that Craig is signed up for Bond 25, but if Craig is genuinely disinterested in continuing the role (and I think it’s safe to say that’s a big yes), MGM don’t really gain anything by keeping him on. And even though Spectre was a massive box office draw (admittedly coasting on the success of Skyfall), reviews were less than positive, so clearing the board and restarting might be the best bet for them. There has been a huge groundswell for Tom Hiddleston to take on the role for the 25th movie, and if this report is true, it might be in MGM’s best interest to make that a reality.
