Daniel Craig To Play James Bond At Least Twice More

Like the brutality that Daniel Craig returned to James Bond? Then you're now unwrapping a Christmas gift three months early.

According to 411mania.com via 007 web hub MI6 reports, Craig's current deal for the legendary spy-based action franchise locks him in for a total five films - the third of which, "Skyfall," hits theaters Nov. 9. Via simple math, that means the same wicked, violent Bond will be around for the ensuing 24th and landmark 25th Bond escapades.

Craig has been widely acclaimed for his take in a re-imagining of Bond that started with 2006's "Casino Royale" and continued with a series-rarity direct story sequel, 2008's "Quantum of Solace." Staying on throughout his entire deal will see Craig eclipse the four Bond portrayals of predecessor Pierce Brosnan from 1995-2002. If he chooses not to continue in the role, he'll conclude his run one film behind Sean Connery (six films) and two behind Roger Moore (seven) as the third-longest-tenured actor to play the British MI6 operative. In terms of years spent in the role, two more films at Sony's proposed pace would actually put Craig into second place at a full decade, compared with Connery's nine years and Moore's 12 years.

Sony has hinted recently that going forward, the films will resume an every-two-years release schedule, scheduling the 24th Bond film tentatively for 2014.  EON Productions is reportedly already getting writers into place for the 24th and 25th films.

As MI6 points out, Craig having two films remaining is no guarantee he'll shoot them both. Both Connery and Brosnan predecessor Timothy Dalton were released from their contracts with a film remaining.

Then again, for as lucrative as Craig's first two outings have been so far, one wonders if Sony and MGM might want to considering renegotiating his deal before Bond 25 negotiations roll around. Continuing his Sony Pictures Entertainment relationship, Craig will probably also be due fairly soon to continue his starring role in the sequels to "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo."