Following his stint in Skyfall, Daniel Craig announced that he would rather slash his wrists than return to the Bond franchise. But contracts and money are funny and binding things. So we got Spectre. Fulfilling his agreements, Craig now feels confident leaving behind a role that made him an even bigger star than he was before it. He is leaving behind a legacy and a tremendous payday.
Having reportedly been paid a very respectable sum of $55 million to play the British spy in Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace, Skyfall, and Spectre, Craig had to say no to a very generous and patient studio when they approached him to reprise the martini loving womanizer. Word is that not only was MGM willing to push the next Bond films so Craig could make time for the Purity TV series, but they offered to pay over $98 million (including endorsements, profit shares, and a co-producer credit) for him to star in just two more movies. After making the studio just south of $3 billion over the last ten years, especially one on the brink of bankruptcy, it’s easy to see why MGM was being so generous. An LA film source was quoted by the Daily Mail as saying:
Daniel is done – pure and simple – he told top brass at MGM after Spectre. They threw huge amounts of money at him, but it just wasn’t what he wanted.
Craig’s dissatisfaction with the Bond series is hardly new and his withdrawal is less surprising than his appearance in Spectre. The stunts, shooting schedule, and a general despondency with the studio have taken their toll on the actor over the years and the severe knee injury sustained during the filming of Spectre did nothing to help matters.
Now the search for a new Bond begins and the with the recent announcement that the highly talented Tom Hiddleston will not be replacing Craig after all, it may take some time. So the question is, who do you want to see as the next 007? Let us know in the comments below, or on Google+, Twitter, or Facebook.
[button link=”http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-3597822/I-m-007-Craig-tells-Bond-movie-bosses-Actor-turns-68m-deal-two-films.html” icon=”fa-external-link” side=”left” target=”blank” color=”285b5e” textcolor=”ffffff”]Source: Daily Mail[/button]
