During an on-camera interview with Stephen Colbert last night, Daniel Craig let slip the confirmation that he will indeed be returning as James Bond for the 5th time in what is currently being referred to as Bond 25. The decision has been floating around for months, nay years, as to whether he would return to the role; especially after an interview directly out of filming Spectre in which Craig famously commented that he would rather slash his wrists than come back. Despite this bold and exaggerated statement, the possibility of Craig coming back for the 25th super-spy film has still been on the table for some time.
During the interview, Colbert asked, “We could use some good news here. Daniel Craig, will you return as James Bond?” to which Craig simply answered “Yes.” This led to a big cheer from the crowd and Colbert shaking Craig’s hand in approval. Craig followed up his statement, saying, “I always wanted to, but I needed a break.” Naturally this led to Colbert asking about the elephant in the room, or Craig’s former “slash wrists” comment, to which Craig responded, “There’s no point in making excuses about it. It was two days after I finished shooting the last movie. Instead of saying something with style and grace, I gave a really stupid answer.”
Well, there you have it folks, Craig is back as Bond! Hopefully the writers brought on to continue the franchise will revive it in some way and eliminate any fatigue Craig may have felt from the last installment. Craig first came on as Bond in 2006 for Casino Royale, a film that pleased both audiences and critics and ushered in a new era of the character. All of our questions will be answered in the next couple years, — including the rumor that Christopher Nolan may direct — as Bond 25 is currently set for a 2019 release.