Daniel Craig could be uttering "Bond, James Bond" for a long time to come—if 007 producers have anything to say about it.
In an interview with the UK's Sunday People, veteran Bond producer Michael G. Wilson gave a major vote of confidence to the series' current star, saying that it's his hope that Craig does five more spy flicks as the suave secret agent.
Wonder what M will have to say about that?!
If you include 2006's box office smash, Casino Royale, 2008's Quantum of Solace and next year's highly anticipated Skyfall, which the 43-year-old thesp is currently filming, that would bring Craig's total to eight movies, surpassing Roger Moore's milestone of seven installments. It would also make him the longest-serving Bond in franchise history—and well into his '50s!
"Daniel's been a terrific Bond, a superb actor and a terrific man. The fans love him and I don't think there's a better actor to play the part," Wilson told the paper.
On the possibility of Craig committing to so many appearances in the role, the producer remarked that Eon Productions—the company he runs with half-sister Barbara Broccoli (founded by their father, legendary producer Albert R. Broccoli) that's shepherded the superspy's big screen adventures going on five decades now—plans to broach the idea with him, and soon.
"It's certainly something we'll be discussing with him once we finish shooting Skyfall," said Wilson. "Filming has gone very well so far and I'd love Daniel to surpass Roger's record and do eight pictures. Daniel's been an absolute pleasure to be around because he takes the role so seriously. There's really no one more passionate about making these films work than him—he's a filmmaker's dream."
And with all due respect to his predecessors, the producer added: "A lot of people have said Daniel's been their favorite Bond since Sean Connery and I can't argue with them. He's doing a great job."
No word how much signing Craig for future missions is gonna cost them.
The English-born actor is currently pulling down a reported $12 million paycheck for Skyfall—that's in addition to a high-caliber cast including Oscar winner Javier Bardem and Ralph Fiennes under the direction of Academy Award-winning helmer Sam Mendes (American Beauty).
Craig's Bond adventures has shaken and stirred his way to a whopping $594 million global box office, not to mention high critical praise, with 2006's Casino Royale. Add to that another $586 million from Quantum and it's safe to say audiences have embraced his more muscular take on the iconic character.
Skyfall, the 23rd official Bond film, is expected to hit theaters next fall to mark the franchise's 50th anniversary.
And Wilson revealed that longtime fans will be more than pleased to learn that "Sam Mendes and Daniel are taking it back to a '60s feel—more Sean."
"I think that's what the fans wanted. There's a magical Goldfinger feel surrounding it all. It's all very excited," he said.
As part of the commemorations, producers are putting together several special events including a celebration they hope will officially bring together all six men who have played Bond: Connery, George Lazenby, Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan and Craig.