We expect you to direct, Mr Bond! Daniel Craig is touted to return for the next film in the series – as director

He will soon bid farewell to the role of James Bond in his fifth and final outing as the suave secret agent.

But although No Time To Die in 2020 will mark Daniel Craig's swansong as 007, he is being touted to return for the next film in the series – as director.

Craig, 51, has increasing creative control within the franchise and crucially chose Fleabag creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge as scriptwriter for No Time To Die, the 25th Bond movie, directed by Cary Fukunaga.

Craig and director Cary Fukunaga. Craig, 51, has increasing creative control within the franchise

Craig and director Cary Fukunaga. Craig, 51, has increasing creative control within the franchise

Producer Barbara Broccoli – whose father Albert 'Cubby' Broccoli created Eon Productions which owns the Bond rights – is said to be keen to keep the British actor closely involved.

Daniel Craig with Eva Green in 2006’s Casino Royale

Daniel Craig with Eva Green in 2006's Casino Royale

A source said: 'Daniel has been the driving force behind Bond 25. He is determined to go out in style. 

'He hired Phoebe and he's been closely involved in every aspect of this film, from the script to the development of the characters. 

'Barbara has been vocal in her support of him and would love him to return to direct the next one.

'Daniel is so in tune with the character and has been saying Bond has to grow and change to fit the times.'

The exchange between Sean Connery's 007 and the titular villain in 1964's Goldfinger – 'You expect me to talk?' 'No, Mr Bond, I expect you to die' – is one of the best-loved moments in Bond history.

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