James Bond’s return to the big screen is pretty much inevitable. Though the franchise has hit a few speed bumps in the past few years, its new direction with Daniel Craig as 007 was a darker turn for the character. Still, it wasn’t quite clear if Craig would reprise his leading role, seeing how Spectre was one of the weakest films of the entire franchise. However, EON Productions has announced a new release date for James Bond 25, and there are unconfirmed reports that Daniel Craig will indeed return to reprise the role. More on the story below.

First, the new release date. The untitled James Bond sequel will hit theaters on November 8, 2019. As confirmed in the tweet below, the film will be released in the UK first, followed by a later date around the world. It’s been a common practice for the James Bond films, but at least the U.S. has a date.

James Bond will return to US cinemas on November 8, 2019 with a traditional earlier release in the UK and the rest of the world. pic.twitter.com/6HnaDnfruK

— James Bond (@007) July 24, 2017

As for Craig returning, according to The New York Times, “Mr. Craig’s return is a done deal, according to two people briefed on the matter, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to avoid conflicts with Eon and MGM.”

Spectre proved to be a challenge for Craig, who expressed a desire to leave the role after the 2015 film failed to garner any critical success. Though a lot of that isn’t his fault, the film was nowhere near the level of Casino Royale, which had rebooted the franchise with Craig in 2006.

If the reports are true, that would make Craig the only person on board for the project. It’s still not clear if Ralph Finnes, Ben Whishaw, or Naomie Harris will reprise their respective roles. There’s no director signed on, either. But Eon’s Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli will return to produce.

We’ll keep you up to date as soon as any new developments come in.

[Source: The New York Times]