James Bond HUGE news: Daniel Craig is a 'done deal' – Has he ALREADY secretly signed up?

For a man who operates on Her Majesty’s Secret Service, it’s no surprise he’s a man who likes to keep everyone in the dark.

After years of speculation, a formal announcement was made this week, confirming that the untiled Bond 25 movie would go into production for a November 2019 release worldwide.

The official statement neglected to make any mention at all of who would be playing the role.

Daniel Craig has filled headlines for the past two years with speculation over whether he would or would not return to the part, but The New York Times is boldly claiming that two sources have confirmed that he has already signed on the dotted line.

EON Productions and MGM have made no formal statement on the subject, but the US newspaper reports that two separate sources have confirmed the story.

The New York Times said: “Sound the trumpets: Daniel Craig will play James Bond in at least one more film, which will be released in November 2019.

“Mr Craig’s return is a done deal, according to two people briefed on the matter, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to avoid conflicts with Eon and MGM.”

The original statement said: “James Bond will return to US cinemas on November 8, 2019 with a traditional earlier release in the UK and the rest of the world.

“Bond 25 will be written by Neal Purvis and Robert Wade and produced by Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli. 

“The film’s cast, director and distributor will be announced at a later date.”

Recent rumours claimed that Craig was being tempted back by any offer of $ 150million to make two more movies in the franchise.

Craig famously told the press after SPECTRE wss released that he would rather “slash his wrists” than return as OO7.

However, he has repeatedly vacillated in subsequent reports, even saying late last year that he would “miss it terribly” if he didn’t come back.

The bookies seem to be in doubt of the outcome, with the latest odds on Craig returning at a seemingly incontrevertible 1/8.

James Bond 25 will be released in UK cinemas in November 2019.

FULL STORY IN THE NEW YORK TIMES