Daniel Craig Says He’s Done With the ‘James Bond’ Films

Throughout decades and decades of movies, the James Bond franchise has managed to retain its widespread intrigue and fan base despite having seven different actor portray the lead character, Bond himself. That notion was especially true over the span of the last four movies, all of which starred Daniel Craig as James Bond. Each film, Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace, Skyfall and Spectre, has debuted in the #1 spot of its weekend box office and generated at least $500 million internationally, with the biggest blockbuster of them all, Skyfall, generating over $1 billion worldwide.
Naturally, this results in some hefty paychecks for the man lucky enough to portray Bond, but that apparently isn’t enough for Daniel Craig, who has announced that he’s done with the franchise. According to this Daily Mail report, Craig has “told studio bosses he is ‘done’ playing 007.” In the process, the 48-year-old actor turned down a $68 million offer to make two more Bond movies, which indicates that his disputes with the movie’s creators has nothing to do with his financial compensation.
In fact, according to the report, Craig had become highly critical of the franchise. It cites a past interview where the current Bond said he’d rather “slash my wrists” than agree to play James Bond again.
Once these reports are confirmed in Hollywood, one of the most high profile jobs in the business will be vacant. Rumors that Idris Elba could be in consideration for a role as the first-ever Black Bond dissipated last year, and many believe that Tom Hiddleston (Thor, The Avengers) could be a front-runner in the race to be Craig’s successor. Past Bond actors include Sean Connery, Roger Moore–who played in more Bond films than anyone in the franchise’s 54-year history–and Pierce Brosnan.