Daniel Craig Is ‘Done’ Playing James Bond — Will Tom Hiddleston Or Idris Elba Be The Next 007?
Daniel Craig, who has played James Bond in the last four 007 films, has reportedly told studios that he is done playing the tuxedoed spy. As the news broke, rumors began to swirl about who will replace him as the next James Bond.
According to the Telegraph, Craig is believed to have turned down a $68 million offer from MGM Studios to reprise his role as the British agent in two more films.
The news shouldn’t come as a huge surprise given that Craig said last year that he would rather slit his wrists than star in another Bond film. A source reveals that Craig told bosses another Bond film wasn’t something that he wanted despite being offered huge sums of money.
But money wasn’t the only thing attached to the offer. Apparently, the offer also included endorsements, profit shares, and a co-producing role.
Despite the offer and everything it included, the Daily Record states that it wasn’t enough to persuade Craig into two more Bond films.
An insider said that Craig told top brass at MGM after Spectre that he was done with any and all Bond films.
Meanwhile, with Daniel Craig potentially out of the picture, who will succeed him for the infamous role?
If you believe rumors, then Tom Hiddleston is that guy. The actor was spotted with Bond director Sam Mendes and producer Barbara Broccoli in London, sparking rumors that he is the next James Bond.
Hiddleston also has a little star power that he can bring to the role since his relationship with Taylor Swift recently went public. The “Shake It Off” singer and the Avengers star were spotted canoodling in Rhode Island and dancing the night away at a Selena Gomez concert.
Adding to the Hiddleston rumors, Bustle reports that bets can be placed by fans to see who they think should be the next Bond.
Currently, Hiddleston is a 2:1 favorite, putting him ahead of all other candidates, including other favorites Idris Elba and Damian Lewis.
However, the Night Manager actor has somehow managed to dodge questions about whether or not he will be the next James Bond.
Hiddleston has stated that nobody has approached him offering him the role.
He continued to shoot down the speculation when he said that he also hasn’t spoken to anyone who is involved in making the Bond films. Adding that the rumors of his connection to the next Bond film are just ideas in people’s heads.
Of course, some argue that Idris Elba should be the one replacing Craig. Elba has upcoming roles in the Stephen King adaptation The Dark Tower, and Star Trek Beyond. Elba also showed his range of acting skills in the TV show Luther.
Elba was also born in London, which makes his background a perfect fit to play the British spy.
Many of his roles are also physically demanding, such as detective Luther, and a former CIA agent in Bastille Day. He was also the captain in Prometheus and a drug kingpin in The Wire.
Adding to Elba’s argument is the fact that the Bond franchise often gets criticized for sexism and racism. Making Elba the first Bond of color would help usher in a new generation of fans as well as give the franchise a fresh new face.
So fans, is Daniel Craig really done with being Britain’s most lethal spy? If so, will Tom Hiddleston be next in line, or will the franchise step outside the box and select Idris Elba? Comment below!
[Photo by Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images]
