Daniel Craig ‘turns down £68 million’ to return for two more James Bond films

Daniel Craig is thought to have turned down a lucrative deal to return for two more James Bond films.

According to reports, the British actor has stepped away from the franchise for good, despite being offered ‘£68 million’.

While Craig has been vocal about his reservations in making a follow-up to Spectre, bosses have reportedly been keen to entice him back after his smash-hit performance.

A source told Mail Online: “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.

“He had told people after shooting that this would be his final outing, but the film company still felt he could come around after Spectre if he was offered a money deal.”

Last year Craig joked that he’d rather ‘slash his wrists’ than return as Bond for a fifth time, later admitting that he hadn’t finalised his plans.

The actor has also just signed up to appear in a new 20-episode television adaptation of Jonathan Franzen’s novel Purity.

The latest reports have emerged amid rumours that Tom Hiddleston is being lined up to take on the role of the famous spy.

Over the weekend, a bookmaker suspended betting on the star after a significant sum was placed on him on Saturday.

A flurry of bets last weekend meant that Hiddleston is now the 2-1 favourite to replace Craig, ahead of previous frontrunners Idris Elba and Damian Lewis.

Speaking on Graham Norton last month, the actor said: “What can I tell you? The thing is the position isn’t vacant as far as I am aware. No one has talked to me about it.

“I think the rumours have all come about because in The Night Manager I play a spy and people have made the link.”

Follow @StandardShowbiz for more entertainment news.