Daniel Craig 'absolutely the first choice' for the next 007 film: producer

British actor Daniel Craig © AFP / TOBIAS SCHWARZ

"James Bond" executive producer Callum McDougall has confirmed that British actor Daniel Craig is "absolutely the first choice" for series producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, who run 007 production banner Eon Productions.

McDougall, who has worked on the last four "Bond" films starring Craig -- alongside Broccoli and Wilson -- revealed the news on the UK's BBC Radio 4 "Today" program, when asked if Craig would be returning to the role, and said: "I wish I knew. We love Daniel. We would love Daniel to return as Bond. Without any question he is absolutely Michael G.Wilson and Barbara Broccoli's first choice. I know they're hoping for him to come back."

The statement follows speculation that Craig would not be returning to the franchise after the British actor failed to commit to another installment.

Since then, rumors that a raft of actors -- such as Idris Elba, Tom Hiddleston or Jamie Bell -- could be in the running to replace Craig as the next 007, have been rife, although Eon has remained tight-lipped about any developments of their projects (via Deadline).