Daniel Craig has signed up for an American TV drama “Purity” giving rise to speculations that he may quit playing the iconic MI6 spy James Bond in future. (Photo : YouTube/James Bond 007)
Daniel Craig has recently signed up to play the lead in an American television series titled "Purity" giving rise to speculations that the 47-year-old British actor may step down from his role as James Bond.
"Purity" is based on Jonathan Franzen's novel and each of the several series of the show will have 20 episodes. While the broadcaster of the television drama is yet to be finalized, several top channels including Showtime, Netflix, FX and Amazon are bidding to acquire the rights, The Sun reported.
In the upcoming television drama, Daniel will portray the character of a charming German named Andreas Wolf, who offers to help a US woman named Purity to find her father. "Purity" is being produced by Scott Rudin, who worked with the British actor in the 2011 film "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo."
Craig played the iconic MI6 spy, 007, for nearly a decade now appearing in four films, "Casino Royale," "Quantum of Solace," "Skyfall" and "Spectre." Craig's current contract includes one more James Bond film. His last James Bond film, 24th in the 007 series, earned over $860 million (£600 million) at the box office.
Speculations regarding Craig's retirement from the James Bond franchise surfaced for the first time in October 2015 when the actor jokingly said, "I would rather break this glass and slash my wrists [than do another movie]."
Replying to a question regarding his return to the franchise, Craig did not rule out the possibility entirely saying that he does not prefer discussing the issue with anyone right now, because he is keen for an absolute break from the character.
Meanwhile, names of several actors are doing the rounds for playing the Bond in the next film of the franchise. Some of these names include Damian Lewis, Tom Hardy, Henry Cavill and Oscar-nominated actor Michael Fassbender. Some bookies have also tipped that Idris Elba may possibly be the the first ever black Bond.
Craig's exist from the franchise is not a certainty yet, as a spokesman for the actor affirmed on Sunday that no firm decision has been taken on Bond's future yet. A decision on whether or not Craig will return to play James Bond for the fifth time has not finalized, but even if he appears in "Purity," it will not mean that the actor cannot play Bond, the Independent reported.
Watch the trailer of the latest James Bond film "Spectre" below:
