FASHION IN BLOOM
Hmajesty’s stretched-out service. was lured back to play James Bond one more time by the promise he’d “make history,” according to a source with knowledge of the 49-yearold actor’s return. “MGM and (Craig) had not spoken for over a year,” according to an insider who tells us that executive producer worked her magic. “Daniel said he was done, he meant it,” we’re told. “She said he wasn’t, she meant it.” We’re told that the next Bond film’s 2019 release date means that Craig (inset) will have owned the role for 13 years, which is one year longer then Roger Moore, the current recordholder, played 007. “Sure, the financial deal was interesting,” concedes our spy. According to some reports, Craig’s deal could reach into the $100 million range. But we’re also told that lucky 13 was a big incentive. “He was very proud (of) that milestone.” Craig will be the longest-serving Bond if he chooses to step away after the next 007 film. But he will not have been the oldest. Moore was 58 when he handed in his license to kill.
We’re told that Craig’s negotiation was every bit as stressful as any Bond plot.
“While publicly Daniel has been playing it cool, behind the scenes, this whole matter has been very intense,” we’re told. “He did not want to come back and felt ‘Spectre’ was a fitting farewell.”
Craig certainly seemed to be finished playing 007 in October 2015, when he told Time Out magazine that he wanted to “move on” from that role and would “rather break this glass and slash my wrists” than revisit the Bond franchise. That was after filming “Spectre,” his fourth time playing Bond.
played the role for nine years, did it for seven, served three snooping for her Majesty and
did just one year. Moore still holds the record for playing Bond the most times in the official series, having done seven films as 007. He died in May.
Craig reportedly turned down a $90 million offer to play Bond before reportedly reaching a deal in late July. They wouldn’t make much of a basketball team, but diminuitive powerhouses and will lead the list of honorees at the 27th Annual Environmental Media Association’s Awards Benefit on Sept. 23. It was previously announced that would be an honoree at the event, which is being hosted by in Los Angeles.