Broccoli is in charge of the iconic spy franchise, which will kick off production on its 25th instalment next month. It is believed to be Daniel Craig’s final outing as James Bond – and bookies have been relentlessly keeping track of all the contenders to be his replacement after that.
But now, whispers have emerged in The Sun about where exactly Broccoli stands on it.
What’s not surprising is that she doesn’t seem to be thinking about it at all right now – understandable, given that we’re still likely at least a year or two away from any kind of announcement.
What is a little more unexpected is that she is allegedly hopeful that Daniel Craig will actually return for yet another movie.
The Sun quotes an insider as saying she is “loyal to Daniel” for the time being, and doesn’t want to be “disrespectful” by starting to look elsewhere.
She “cannot look beyond Daniel”, according to the source, as “she values everything he has done for the franchise in the past decade”.
Perceived contenders for the job, according to bookies, currently include Richard Madden; who impressed in the BBC’s Bodyguard and then went on to win a Golden Globe.
Tom Hiddleston, Idris Elba and Tom Hardy have also been touted, although Elba has repeatedly ruled himself out.
Some bookmakers are floating less-known names such as This Is Us regular Justin Hartley and ex-Hollyoaks hunk Ricky Whittle for the gig.
Bond 25 goes into production in March under the direction of Cary Joji Fukunaga, and Craig has reportedly started preparing himself for the incredibly active shoot.
According to the Mirror, Craig has been seen ditching alcohol and altering his diet in a bid to get himself prepared.
He also sat out of a recent BAFTA Tea Party, opting to stay with his four-month-old daughter while wife Rachel Weisz attended.
A source told the UK tabloid of his recent visit to the Golden Globes: “Daniel was clearly adamant he wouldn’t be tempted by the alcohol, canapes, haute cuisine and desserts.
“On Saturday, Rachel attended the BAFTA party but he stayed in. Then at the Golden Globes, he preferred water to wine and was chewing a protein bar.”
Bond 25 is out on February 14, 2020.