Craig 'rejects huge Bond offer'

Daniel Craig: has appeared as Bond in four films. Photo: Bang Showbiz
Daniel Craig: has appeared as Bond in four films. Photo: Bang Showbiz

Daniel Craig has reportedly told studio bosses he is "done" playing James Bond after turning down a huge offer for two more movies.

The 48-year-old actor, who has portrayed 007 in four films, is said to have rejected the £68 million ($NZ147 million) offer, which is thought to be made up of profit shares, endorsements and a role as co-producer from MGM studio.

A Los Angeles film source told the Daily Mail newspaper: "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.

"He had told people after shooting that this would be his final outing, but the film company still felt he could come around after Spectre if he was offered a money deal."

The Hollywood actor's future as the suave spy has been the subject of much speculation in recent months.

Just last week, British actor Tom Hiddleston was spotted meeting with Bond director Sam Mendes and producer Barbara Broccoli in London - fuelling rumours he could be the next 007.

An onlooker said at the time: "At first it was Barbara, Tom and another good looking young man. Then Sam Mendes joined them at about 11pm and they stayed until around 1am ... There was lots of laughter; they all looked to be having a very jolly time."

This prompted some bookmakers to suspend betting on Hiddleston taking on the role next, but the actor insisted earlier this month that he hadn't been offered the part and wasn't aware that Craig, who is married to actress Rachel Weisz, wanted out.

Hiddleston said: "The thing is, the position isn't vacant as far as I am aware. No one has talked to me about it. I think the rumours have all come about because in the Night Manager I play a spy and people have made the link."

Last year, Craig - who has also starred as 007 in Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace and Skyfall - said he would "rather slash [his] wrists" than portray the spy again, but later admitted he would do another Bond movie "for the money".

He also threw his Bond future in doubt when he signed up for 20-episode American television series Purity.

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