Amid conflicting stories surrounding Daniel Craig’s future with the Bond franchise, longtime executive producer Calum McDougall insists the actor is "absolutely the first choice" for the next 007 film.

“We love Daniel,” McDougall told BBC Radio 4. “We would love for him to return as Bond. Without any question he is absolutely [series producers] Barb Broccoli and Michael Wilson's first choice, and I know they’re hoping for him to come back."

RELATED: Daniel Craig Doesn't "Give a F--" Who Plays Bond Next

The question of who will play the iconic super-spy has been hanging in the air for months. Although it was recently rumored that Sony offered Craig $150 million to reprise his role, the actor has made no secret he has little interest in playing Bond for a fifth time. Craig is contracted for one more film, but famously said last year that he'd rather "slash my wrists" than imagine doing another Bond film: "I’m over it at the moment. We’re done. All I want to do is move on."

Yet, despite rumors that such actors as Tom Hiddleston and Jamie Bell were being considered to succeed Craig, there's been no confirmation from either side who will take the lead in Bond 25.