While the rumour mill on who will be the next James Bond keeps on turning, fans will be happy to hear that all might not be lost with Daniel Craig. According to reports, the actor could be persuaded to return as 007, after being offered $150 million to star in two more movies.

Daniel CraigDaniel Craig has reportedly been offered $150 million to stay on as Bond

Radar reports that studio Sony has made the actor the lucrative offer because they want a seamless transition to a younger long-term successor. “The studio is desperate to secure the actor’s services while they phase in a younger long-term successor,” a source told the website.

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The source said 48-year-old Craig had “played a genius hand,” adding: “Everyone knows how much executives adore him, and the idea of losing him at such a crucial time in the franchise isn’t an option as far as all the studio honchos are concerned.

“Daniel’s the key for a seamless, safe transition as far as Sony and Bond bosses are concerned,” they continued. According to the source, Sony will soon announce that they are re-upping the distribution rights for the Bond series, meaning billions of dollars in revenue.

“Then they will shoot two more films, which will be made virtually back-to-back, preferably featuring Daniel as 007 before he passes the figurative baton to someone else for a third movie that will mark the start of the new era,” the source added.

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Since the release of Spectre speculation has been rife about who could be the next 007. Names rumoured have included Idris Elba, Tom Hiddleston, Aidan Turner, James Norton and Michael Fassbender.