BERLIN, GERMANY - OCTOBER 28: Actor Daniel Craig attends the German premiere of the new James Bond movie 'Spectre' at CineStar on October 28, 2015 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images for Sony Pictures)
Daniel Craig will return as James Bond for one more film, the Sunday Mirror reported. Joining him will be singer Adele, who will once again provide the vocals for 007’s coveted intro song. Adele previously won a 2013 Grammy for “Skyfall.”
What Happened?
Craig’s participation has long been the source of speculation as he has made several comments suggesting he was ready to move on from the franchise. But thanks to a change of heart, Craig will reprise the role for a fifth time.
The untitled 25th Bond film is expected to being filming in 2018.
Craig, 49, was thought to be done with the series back in 2015 when he said, “I’d rather slash my wrists” than do another Bond film. This prompted rumors of a replacement in the form of suave British actors such as Idris Elba, Tom Hardy, Tom Hiddleston and other. However, several industry insiders felt it was unlikely Craig would pass up the massive payday a fifth 007 movie would represent.
Back in April, Page Six reported that Bond franchise producer Barbara Broccoli was very close to a deal with Craig for one more go around.
Craig’s previous Bond movies have been: Casino Royale (2006), Quantum of Solace (2008), Skyfall (2012) and Spectre (2015).
Daniel Craig – James Bond
Why is this important?
Craig is seen by many to be one of the best Bonds in franchise history and his tenure has seen the franchise reach record-highs at the box office (Skyfall) and with critical reaction (Casino Royale). His return all but ensures a profitable fifth foray.
More importantly, however, is what it means behind-the-scenes. The rights to the James Bond series are currently up for grabs with incumbent studio Sony bidding against the likes of Warner Bros., Universal, 20th Century Fox and others. Whoever ultimately lands the International Man of Mystery will have the added benefit of kicking off their stewardship with a familiar and embraced face.
