James Bond heading to Croatia to ‘battle a blind supervillain’ as Daniel Craig reportedly signs up to return as 007
THE Dalmation Coast and a scheming blind super-villain lie in store for James Bond as producers let slip plans for the franchise's 25th film.
And it could well be hunky Daniel Craig - who has played the suave spy for the past four movies - who arrives back on screen, Martini distinctly shaken-not-stirred.
The British actor, 49, previously claimed he would "rather slash [his] wrists" than play 007 again, but this week we reported how he seems to have had a change of heart.
It comes as tit-bits of information for the 2019 movie, provisionally called Shatterhand, were released.
A source "Bond scriptwriters feel it could be the perfect follow-up to Spectre.
"They are hoping to film in Croatia next year."
So will we see the ladies' man letting his hair down in party town Zagreb, or dodging bullets in Dubrovnik?
Perhaps so, as the source added film bosses had been scouting out film-friendly locations in the Croatian capital.
Meanwhile, the plot itself takes inspiration from literary thriller Never Dream of Dying by Raymond Benson, and kicks off with a police raid on a movie base in France.
Savvy Bond is all-too-aware who is behind the vicious killings and vows to take them down.
most read in tv & showbiz
After tracking the culprits down to Paris he meets the latest bond lady, playing seductive Tylyn Mignonne.
The movie star's sordid past may well lead him to the target - the Union's blind head honcho - yet as always, the MI5 agent's life is under threat in the process.
Those behind the explosive scenes, set for release in November 2019, have also given a nod to previous 007 movies On Her Majesty's Secret Service and You Only Live Twice.
Meanwhile author Raymond is no stranger to James Bond fanatics after having penned a trio of Bond books Tomorrow Never Dies, Die Another Day and The World Is Not Enough as well as various related computer games.
Excitement for the latest action-pack flick was ramped up this week as we reported how fans' favourite Daniel had done an epic U-turn and is widely-tipped to play James Bond for a FIFTH time in 2019.
Back in September, reports suggested Daniel was on the verge of signing up as 007 again and now the
He will reportedly reprise his role in 2019 when the next film in the franchise hits cinemas.
News that Craig is set to sign on the dotted line for a fifth time comes after a number of high-profile Brits were tipped to replace him.
A source previously told the : "It's taken time but Daniel has come round and the strong consensus in the Bond offices is that Mr Craig is 007 again."
Meanwhile Bond producer Barbara Broccoli is just as determined to get Skyfall singer Adele - who is said to be returning to live in the UK after growing homesick in America - back to record a second Bond theme tune.
The song from the 2012 movie was the first Bond theme tune to win at the Brits and Grammy Awards, as well as the Golden Globes.
The source, who is close to the "Bond25" project, added: "Craig and Adele together are the winning team, the ultimate choice, the money spinners.
"[Adele is] more of an unknown quantity but loved being part of Bond, so the signs are positive."
The insider also claimed Daniel's wife, actress Rachel Weisz, is "on board with the decision" for him to return as 007, even if it means spending a year away from home filming.
It certainly is quite the U-turn for Daniel, who told during the publicity tour for Spectre when asked about the chances of him playing Bond for a fifth time: "Now? I’d rather break this glass and slash my wrists.
"No, not at the moment. Not at all. That’s fine. I’m over it at the moment. We’re done. All I want to do is move on.
"I haven’t given it any thought. For at least a year or two, I just don’t want to think about it.
"I don’t know what the next step is. I’ve no idea. Not because I’m trying to be cagey. Who the f*** knows?
"At the moment, we’ve done it. I’m not in discussion with anybody about anything.
"If I did another Bond movie, it would only be for the money."
Got a story? email [email protected] or call us direct on 02077824220