The British actor remained hesitant to confirm whether he'd return as 007 for quite some time before modestly acknowledging he would back in August 2017.

Now, the wheels are moving on the Ian Fleming character's next big screen outing with Craig telling Associated Press the untitled film will be his next.

Craig refused to confirm whether filmmaker Danny Boyle - who recently seemed to confirm himself as director Sam Mendes' replacement - would be overseeing the project, responding when asked: “We'll see, we'll see.”

Craig sparked controversy in 2015 following the release of Spectre after stating he'd rather “slash [his] wrists” than to immediately star in another Bond film.“

The actor has appeared in the past four Bond films - Casino Royale, Quantum Of Solace, Skyfall, and Spectre - with the forthcoming fifth film, written by Neal Purvis and Robert Wade, expected to be his last.

It was previously reported that Craig was offered up to £120 million to return as the spy for two more films despite attention surrounding fellow candidates Tom Hiddleston, Idris Elba, James Norton and Poldark star Aidan Turner.

Reports also suggested that franchise producer Barbara Broccoli was “determined” to bring back Adele to record the theme tune for a film that will reportedly be based on the 2001 novel Never Dream of Dying.

The Independent

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