Daniel Craig Turns Down £68M to Return as 007, Who's Will Replace?

In reports by Daily Mail, Daniel Craig has turned down £68M (about $99M US) to return as James Bond 007 for two more films. A source told Daily Mail, "Daniel is done – pure and simple – he told top brass at MGM after Spectre. They threw huge amounts of money at him, but it just wasn’t what he wanted."

After Spectre finished filming, there were many reports that Daniel Craig (48) was worn down from the role. He even had sustained a knee injury when filming a fight scene in Spectre. Because of his general exhaustion, there was very little hope that Daniel Craig was going to return as the British MI6 spy 007.

Daniel Craig as 007

Daniel Craig began playing James Bond in 2005 with Casino Royal. When Craig's casting was first announced, many felt that he didn't have the charisma and swagger that James Bond requires. However, after the parkour scene in Casino Royal, most of the worry was washed away. Casino Royal was able to delve into the psyche of James Bond. It focused on how he was a lone man against the world who will always struggle to find love.

In 2012, James Bond returned to prominence with Skyfall. The script, direction, and acting was loved by critics and fans. The focus, much like in Casino Royal, was to show how fragile and tortured James Bond is as a character.

Last year in 2015 Spectre failed in many aspects. That was even with the return of Skyfall director, Sam Mendes, and Daniel Craig as 007.  Although it was was decent, it was panned for having pointless action, a lack-luster love interest, and a confusing plot. Because of the lukewarm reaction and the numerous reports that Daniel Craig was tired of the role, it was only a matter of time until news came that his time as Bond would soon end.

What's Next for 007

There are many actors that can take up the mantle of James Bond. Here are a few of my favorites:

Tom Hiddleston

Hiddleston is currently the favorite to play James Bond. His time as Loki in the Marvel Cinematic Universe is rumored to be ending shortly. If this is true, his schedule will open up giving him the ability to accept a role. This will give him the chance to be a lead of a franchise rather than a supporting character.

Idris Elba

This choice became popular about a year ago. If MGM wants to change the race of James Bond, this is a perfect time to do it, and Idris Elba is the perfect choice. The only problem that I see is that Idris Elba is currently 43 years-old. So even though he is a great choice, his age might keep him from achieving the role.

Henry Cavill

Henry Cavill is best known as Superman in Man of Steel and Batman v Superman; however, he has also played an womanizing American spy in The Man from U.N.C.L.E. Although the movie didn't do well financially, his role in the film was a perfect audition for the role of James Bond. It will be good for him to play a lighter character than the brooding Superman he has been tasked with lately.

Tom Hardy

Coming off of Mad Max: Fury Road, Hardy is a good choice to replace James Bond. He has the action chops to fill the role. My only fear with this choice is that Tom Hardy is notorious for playing roles that are hard to understand (The Revenant, Legend, Mad Max: Fury Road, The Dark Knight Rises, The Take). So although he does have the acting chops, his charisma is a little worrisome.

Michael Fassbender

Fassbender is probably going to end his role as Magneto pretty soon, but he is currently beginning to star in Assassin's Creed. So although he does have an ability to take on the mantle of James Bond, his schedule might restrict him into accepting such a time consuming role.

Conclusion:

Those are some of my favorites to replace Daniel Craig as James Bond, what are some of yours? And what are your thoughts on Daniel Craig stepping down as 007? Leave your comments below and remember to always keep it unpopped.