Colbert Gets the Scoop: Craig Is Back as Bond

While appearing on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Daniel Craig confirmed what Bond fans had been hoping to hear all summer: he is returning as James Bond. For one more film.

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Colbert brought up the topic of Bond immediately. He mentioned the end of Casino Royale and how he had “hoped” Craig would “return.” This allowed for a nice segue into the current state of Bond and the status of Craig.

“I have been quite cagey,” Craig admitted, in regards to radio interviews earlier in the day. But he then told Colbert, “I should speak the truth to you.”

“We could use some good news, here,” Colbert said. “Daniel Craig, will you return as James Bond.”

All Daniel Craig said (all he really needed to say) was “Yes.”

And with that, the studio audience broke out in a loud ovation.

At roughly the same time, the official James Bond website, 007.com, released the following statement:

"Daniel Craig is returning to play 007 in Bond 25. The actor confirmed he would play James Bond for the fifth time to host Stephen Colbert on The Late Show last night. Bond 25 will be released in US cinemas on November 8, 2019 with a traditional early release in the UK and the rest of the world."

So why did Craig wait until the appearance with Colbert? Perhaps it is a comfort level that Craig has established with him over the years. In 2011, while promoting The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Craig appeared on the Colbert Report and the two proceeded to arm wrestle. In 2015, on the eve of the release of Spectre, Craig appeared on The Late Show and performed in a Bond rental car skit with Colbert:

Now that Daniel Craig is confirmed for Bond 25, along with a release date, attention will likely turn to Christoph Waltz: is he returning as Blofeld? Curious minds want to know.