British actor Daniel Craig is not one who likes to keep people's hopes up for nothing. This is why after filming "James Bond: Spectre," which is the 24th "James Bond" film ever produced, the actor announced that he might be giving up the role for good.
Entertainment Weekly tried to get a definitive answer from Craig during a short interview in a London hotel suite, but failed in its mission.
"I can't give you an honest answer at this point," Craig said. "It's not that I'm trying to play hard to get. I've just given it no thought whatsoever."
"This movie has taken up two years of my life. And I just need a break," he added. "I need to get back to normal life. I need to reintroduce myself to my family who are not best pleased with me. The idea of planning ahead - I'm not trying to be coy. People want an answer and I don't have one."
Even long-time Bond producer Barbara Broccoli cannot give a straight answer, and only praised the work that Craig has given the franchise thus far.
She called him the "beating heart at the center" of the franchise and lauded him for his ability to get the best supporting actors into the franchise, such as Oscar-winner Christoph Waltz (the villain named Oberhauser in 'Spectre') and French actress Léa Seydoux (Bond's love interest in the film).
"Daniel has reinvigorated this character," Broccoli further said. "He's made it contemporary, given it depth and resonance and humanity. The part is his. He's so great and attracts so many people who want to work with him like Christoph and Lea, Ralph Fiennes and Ben Whishaw."
Should Craig decide to give up the role for good, there are already other worthy contenders lined up to portray the charismatic secret agent such as "Homeland" alum Damian Lewis, "Luther" star Idris Elba, and "Mad Max: Fury Road" star Tom Hardy.
However, "James Bond" creator Anthony Horowitz earlier dismissed Elba's possible involvement in the franchise, saying that it's not really a color issue, since he finds Elba "too street" to play 007.
The novelist was immediately criticized for his statements, and he retracted his earlier statements, saying he is not really a casting director so people should not put much weight into his comments.
Even "Wolverine" star Hugh Jackman seems eager to take on the role. It was actually offered to the Australian star at one point, but he turned it down because of other commitments.
