Looks like the current 007 could soon become 008.
Daniel Craig is in the midst of filming "Skyfall," his third outing as the iconic British agent James Bond, and if the franchise's producer has his way, Craig will shoot five more 007 films beyond this one. That would put the star at eight total Bond films -- one more than Roger Moore, whose seven turns as the spy are the most ever.
"Filming has gone very well so far and I'd love Daniel to surpass Roger's record and do eight pictures," Michael G. Wilson told the UK's Sunday People. "Daniel's been an absolute pleasure to be around because he takes the role so seriously. There's really no one more passionate about making these films work than him - he's a filmmaker's dream."
Craig's first turn as James Bond, 2006's "Casino Royale," was critically acclaimed and made nearly $600 million in global box office. The 2008 followup, "Quantum of Solace," was less universally praised but nearly hit $600 million in sales, as well. "Skyfall," due out in 2012, is being directed by Oscar-winner Sam Mendes and is being eagerly anticipated by 007 fans. The 23rd film in the official Bond canon will be released during the 50th anniversary of the film franchise.
Asked at the film's announcement press conference in November about fears of being typecast as an action spy, Craig said, "Look, I like to work. All I know is doing a third one [Bond film], and being given the chance to do a third, means I just want to make the best possible Bond film ever. I want it to be Bond with a capital B."
Craig will appear this week in the American adaptation of "The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo," in which he plays a journalist with similar investigative rigor as Bond -- but a lot less physical power.
Sean Connery played James Bond a total of six times, depending on adherence to official canon, some say he was in seven as well, thanks to the independent "Never Say Never Again." Timothy Dalton had the part in two films and Pierce Brosnan, who preceded Craig, played Bond four times. George Lazenby played Bond once, following Connery's brief retirement from the role.
For more, click over to The People.