So much for Daniel Craig turning his back on 007 after he publicly declared in 2015 that he “would rather slit his own wrists” than play Bond again. News trickling through over the weekend has Craig now firmly placed at Bond Headquarters to reprise the role of the iconic slick British spy.

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It is being noted that Craig’s interest in returning to the film in which he was contracted to star in five Bond outings was renewed after hearing of the array of talent which were being lined up to replace him with the likes of Idris Elba, Tom Hardy, Aiden Turner and James Norton.

Sony and Bond Producer Barbara Broccoli could well be breathing a sigh, Craig’s time as Bond has been the franchise’s most lucrative period with Skyfall grossing $1.1 billion at the international box office, which made it the highest-ever grossing film for the studio, Spectre, the 2015 follow-up, is the fourth biggest earner in the franchise’s 53-year-history.

Daniel Craig Bond 25

Broccoli is also said to be keen on obtaining the services of Adele to return to create the theme tune for the yet untitled Bond 25 as well as on the lookout for a new director to take the helm for an injection of something fresh for the project which looks set to start filming next year.

In an interview with Playboy, Dunkirk helmer, Christopher Nolan admitted he had been speaking with Bond producers regarding coming on board the franchise, but not until he was needed – Just maybe this could be that time.

I’ve spoken to the producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson over the years. I deeply love the character, and I’m always excited to see what they do with it. Maybe one day that would work out. You’d have to be needed if you know what I mean. It has to need reinvention; it has to need you. And they’re getting along very well.

Skyfall and Spectre scriptwriter John Logan is also said to be involved in the project. Sony’s ability to throw as much money as possible into securing Craig could have finally paid off.