Bond James Bond Daniel Craig
Daniel Craig as secret agent James Bond Sony Pictures

Who will play the tuxedo-clad secret agent in the next James Bond movie? This is one question that has been playing on the minds of fans and there have been numerous rumours suggesting various stars could step in actor Daniel Craig's shoes. However, a latest report has claimed that the actor, who could be cast in the coveted role, is none other than Craig himself.

The news will sure surprise fans of the spy series as the 48-year-old English actor had earlier rejected the idea of reprising the role of the secret agent and said, "I would rather break this glass and slash my wrists [than do another movie]."

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Craig has been seen in the role of agent 007 since 2005 and has been reportedly offered a whopping $150m (£113m) to return to the thriller franchise for two more films. "The studio is desperate to secure the actor's services while they phase in a younger long-term successor," a source told gossip website Radar Online.

As per the report, Craig's reluctance to reprise the role seems to have worked in his favour. Shedding further light on the scenario, the source explained, "[Craig] has played a genius hand. 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."

"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," the report mentioned.

As far as the role of the spy agent is concerned, several frontrunners have surfaced in recent times with names such as Idris Elba, Tom Hiddleston, Adian Turner and even Tom Hughes making the rounds. While neither Sony nor Craig have officially announced anything about the role, if the report turns out to be true, the Spectre actor could be seen in two back-to-back films.

"Then they will shoot two more films, which will be made virtually back-to-back, preferably featuring Daniel as 007 before he passes the figurative baton to someone else for a third movie that will mark the start of the new era," the source added.