After news broke that Daniel Craig is considering dropping out of the James Bond film franchise, ‘Homeland’ star Damian Lewis was rumored to be joining the cast as the new spy agent.
However, it was recently confirmed that Craig has decided not to say goodbye to the well-loved spy action movies by agreeing to complete his contract and take on the leading role in at least one more movie.
"Daniel has assured us he will fulfill his contract," a Sony spokesperson confirmed to the Daily Star.
After it was rumored that Craig could be giving up his 007-related opportunities, Lewis had become the favorite actor among many fans as replacement for the 47-year-old ‘Spectre’ star.
According to William Hill, one of the largest bookmakers in the U.K., the 44-year-old 'Life' star has now become the most favorite actor for the role of James Bond and is ahead of fellow actor-contenders Idris Elba, Tom Hardy, Henry Cavill and Michael Fassbender.
Elba, who is famous for taking on roles in crime drama shows such as ‘The Wire’ and ‘Luther’, had previously become the top contender to portray the British spy role.
However, he previously said that he had already given up on having any opportunities to be pursued by the ‘007’ production company Eon.
“If there was ever any chance of me getting Bond, it’s gone,” Elba said, addressing the old speculation that was “really starting to eat itself.”
As such, fans will still have a glimpse of Craig in more spy action as Rachel Weisz’s husband is still set to portray the secret agent after ‘Spectre’ hits theaters in 2017.
Meanwhile, MGM and Sony have already released a video, showing the behind-the-scenes set of ‘Spectre,’ which highlights the opening sequence of the highly anticipated movie that takes place at the Day of the Dead festival in Mexico City.
“I wanted the audience to be dropped right into the middle of a very, very specific, very heady, rich environment,” director Sam Mendes explained. “It’s the Day of the Dead, everywhere you look there’s color and detail and life. We’ve built floats and maquettes, the costumes are extraordinary and the craftsmanship is amazing.”
As the 24th official Bond movie, ‘Spectre’ puts Craig forward opposite Oscar-winning actor Christoph Waltz as potential villain Franz Oberhauser. They are also joined by Monica Bellucci, Léa Seydoux and Stephanie Sigman.
Ralph Fiennes returns as the new M while Naomie Harris and Ben Whishaw reprise their roles as Moneypenny and Q, respectively.
Scheduled for a release on Nov. 6, 2017, the upcoming story follows 007 paving the way for another action-packed adventure in Mexico City, Rome and Sölden in the Austrian Alps.
