'Bond 25' producers are panicking because Daniel Craig has not yet decided if he wants to star.
Daniel Craig
The 48-year-old actor has yet to speak to studio executives about the movie, which is due out in October 2018 and they are worried that it could lead to a delay.
A source told the Daily Mirror: "Daniel and MGM are currently at a stalemate with him having not spoken to them about Bond.
"They have offered a bigger wage deal, and asked about his filming availability to his reps in 2017, but as of yet they have not spoken to Daniel.
"They want 'Bond 25' out in October 2018, but currently they have no Bond, film dates or knowledge of when that will change.
"Daniel's commitment is also a key part of whether Sony Pictures will come in to co-finance the film. So much is hanging in the air - and no-one knows."
Last year Daniel - who has portrayed 007 in four films beginning with 2006's 'Casino Royale' - said he would "rather slash" wrists than portray the spy again but he appeared to have had a change of heart recently.
Speaking in October, he said: "I've got the best job in the world doing Bond. The things I get to do on a Bond movie and the type of work it is, there's no other job like it.
"If I were to stop doing it - just say - I'd miss it terribly. It's one of the most thrilling things as an actor you can do.
"I love this job. I get a massive kick out of it. And, if I can keep getting a kick out of it, I will."
Meanwhile, 31-year-old actor James Norton has been heavily tipped to take over from Daniel as the iconic spy, and while he thinks the speculation is "very flattering", he hopes Daniel will return to the franchise as he is a huge fan.
He said: "It's very flattering, but a lot of people are taking the hype too seriously.
"Anyway, I'm a huge fan of Daniel Craig, so I hope he does another one or two.
"It would be a big decision, but at the moment it's not one I have to make."
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