AceShowbiz -

James Bond bosses are seemingly trying everything they can to keep Daniel Craig as Agent 007. According to The Sun, MGM execs suggest that the franchise would fall down if the current James Bond is leaving now.

The execs are reportedly "so desperate to keep [Daniel] in the famous tuxedo that they are willing to delay the next movie so he can film the show first." The studios told the "Spectre" actor that they will push back the next movie to 2018 if necessary as he has signed to star in upcoming series "Purity".

A source told the site, "Daniel leaving the franchise at this moment is something MGM cannot stomach. He is a major draw and a key player in terms of raising money for the films. As Bond he has brought in $2billion."

"Daniel has not told anyone yet if he will return definitively," the source continued, "They know he wants to do 'Purity' and had hoped to get the new film in cinemas next year, but they have vowed to push it back a year to help make his schedule easier."

Daniel is expected to begin filming "Purity" later this year, while pre-production on James Bond is due to begin in the next few weeks.