Daniel Craig to stay on as as James Bond; Tom Hiddleston 'not tough enough' for the iconic role

In 2012, Daniel Craig infamously stated that he would not be willing to star in another James Bond movie. This left the role out in the open, and many speculated that it might be given to Tom Hiddleston. That possibility has now been closed by the movie’s producers.

After “Spectre,” Craig told Time Out magazine (via Telegraph UK) that he wanted to “move on” from the franchise. He explained that if he were to make another “James Bond” movie, that it would only be for the money. “I’d rather break this glass and slash my wrists,” he told the publication. “No, not at the moment. Not at all. That’s fine. I’m over it at the moment. We’re done.”

But just last year, Craig told attendees of the New York Festival that being Bond was the “best job in the world.” He shared that there was no other job like it and even said that if he would miss the character if he were to stop starring in the movies. “If I can keep getting a kick out of it,” he said. “I will.”

That reintroduced passion for the character has seemed to reach a high as Craig is reportedly going to star in the next 007 film. According to The New York Post (via Mirror UK), the 49-year-old was convinced to don the iconic suit when producer Barbara Broccoli, who also worked with Craig on the off-Broadway production of “Othello,” explained the vision she had for the upcoming movie.

A source told the publication that Craig was very pleased with how “Othello” went and that the actor and Broccoli are now in talks about the next “James Bond” film. “They have a script -- screenwriting duo Neal Purvis and Rober Wade, who have penned several “Bond” movies -- are writing and they’ll go into production as soon as Daniel is ready to commit.”

Many estimated that Hiddleston had his eye on the role, but the publication’s source said that Broccoli did not think he would fit the character. “Tom Hiddleston, he’s a bit too smug and not tough enough to play James Bond,” they said.

If Craig does officially agree to get on board, the film will be his fifth in the franchise. 2017 marks his 11^th year in the franchise, which makes him the second longest running Bond. Roger Moore still holds the record at 12 years. Craig is reportedly being offered EUR120 million (AU$170 million) this time around.