Daniel Craig Signs On For Bond 22, Roger Michell Wants to Direct

Things are looking golden for new Bond actor, Daniel Craig. It’s been reported that the Brit has impressed Bond directors so much that they have offered him the role in the next Bond movie. Also, news is coming out that director Roger Michell is in negotiations to direct the 22nd installment of the 007 series.

Hollywood.com reports that “The 38-year-old actor has been given another license to thrill before his first outing as the superspy in ‘Casino Royale’ hits cinemas later this year.” The site goes on to quote a source that told the tabloid News of the World, “Daniel is the ultimate Bond. The producers have seen rough cuts from the film and are convinced it's going to be a big hit.”

While the role James Bond may be locked down for the next Bond flick, which has the working title of Bond 22, the trade publication The Hollywood Reporter says a director for the film may be close to being locked down. “U.K.-based helmer Roger Michell is in negotiations to direct the follow-up to ‘Casino Royale,’ which has a working title of ‘Bond 22.’”

Reuters reports that “Columbia Pictures, which is producing ‘Casino Royale’ and ‘Bond 22’ alongside MGM, declined comment. ‘Casino Royale’ was filmed by ‘GoldenEye’ director Martin Campbell. While plot details for "Bond 22" remain sketchy, sources say the film is based on an original idea from Bond producer Michael Wilson. A writer has yet to be hired.”

A partnering of Daniel Craig and Roger Michell for Bond 22 wouldn’t be the first time these two work together. Back in 2004, Michell directed Craig in Enduring Love. In the past, Michell has also directed the Samuel L. Jackson, Ben Affleck movie Changing Lanes, and the Hugh Grant romantic comedy Notting Hill. Michell’s future projects include Venus and Fishing For Moonlight, starring Keanu Reeves.

As for James Bond himself, Daniel Craig has been an actor on the rise. Having done Enduring Love with Michell, Craig has also landed roles n Layer Cake and Munich, with several other projects on the go. Craig’s role as James Bond in Casino Royale will place him in an elite crowd of ators to play the 007 agent, including Sean Connery, Timothy Dalton, George Lazenby, Roger Moore and Pierce Brosnan. By signing on to the second film, Craig will surpass Lazenby’s tenure as James Bond, which saw him featured only on On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.

[Additional Sources: Hollywood.com, Hollywood Reporter, Reuters]