Is Daniel Craig returning as James Bond or not? This has been the big question on fans' mind as the actor keeps his silence about appearing in 25th "James Bond" movie. With rumors swirling that "Spectre" was his last rodeo as agent 007, bets are now up as to which actor will take on the coveted role next.
"X-Men: Apocalypse" star Michael Fassbender is currently the leader in major betting sites to succeed Craig as James Bond. Prior bookies' favorites included Tom Hiddleston, James Norton, Aiden Turner and Idris Elba. The reason for fans' recent approval of Fassbender as James Bond is his stellar performance in the crime drama "Trespass Against Us."
Fassbender previously addressed the Bond rumors in an interview with GQ. Like the other actors who have been associated with the role, the "Assassin's Creed" star denied the rumors. "To be honest, no. As an acting role, I think Daniel has done such a cracking job in this age group," he told the magazine.
Despite ruling himself out of the competition, Fassbender did offer some interesting ideas for the next "James Bond" movie. "What about we start the film back in Sandhurst, army training, rather than on a yacht? Or he's in the Middle East on an op and gets thrown in the brig for insubordination? He's going to get court-martialled," Fassbender said.
Meanwhile, "James Bond" film execs are reportedly in a state of panic as Craig remains "off grid" with regards the negotiations for the next 007 movie. According to Mirror, MGM is reportedly planning to release the next "James Bond" movie in 2018, but Craig has yet to confirm whether he will star or not.
MGM has reportedly offered a large wage deal for Craig, who previously hinted that he is no longer interested in returning to the franchise. The actor's latest statement, however, was contrary to his initial sentiments about the movie. In September 2016, Craig told fans at New York Festival's Beyond Bond panel that playing the character is "the best job in the world" and that he would continue doing it if can "keep getting a kick out of it."