Just as Quantum of Solace prepares to head to UK cinemas, off the back of generally very good reviews, its star – and the magnet attracting much of the film’s praise – has cast doubt as to whether he’ll be slipping into the tuxedo again in the future.

Craig, who is contracted to do four films as 007, told Playboy magazine that “I did sign on for four so a piece of paper says there are two more to do. But let's see how this one goes. In the film business, everything doesn't always go according to plan”. He added that “We'll wait and see. If it goes wrong, we'll have to rethink things."

That said, given the early response to Quantum Of Solace, and predictions that it’ll outgross its predecessor, Casino Royale (itself the box office champion among the Bond films, if you don’t take inflation into account), we suspect that in 2012, the talk is more likely to be whether Craig opts to extend that original deal.

Quantum Of Solace hits UK cinemas on 31st October.