James Bond film producers 'panicking' after Daniel Craig has left them without a 007

Daniel Craig as James Bond in Skyfall. Photo / Supplied

Bosses working on the latest James Bond film are reportedly "panicking" as they still don't have a lead actor for the movie which is due to release in 2018.

According to The Sun, producers are holding out hope that Daniel Craig will return to the role but he's yet to confirm whether he wants back in and has previously stated he would rather "slash my wrists" than return to the part.

An insider told The Mirror that Craig and the studio, MGM are "currently at a stalemate with him having not spoken to them about Bond".

Daniel Craig as James Bond in the 2015 movie Spectre. Photo / Supplied

"They have offered a bigger wage deal, and asked about his filming availability to his reps in 2017, but as yet they have not spoken to Daniel," the source said.

"They want Bond 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."

Earlier this year, Craig backtracked on his controversial anti-Bond statements, saying that it was "the best job in the world" and he would "keep doing it as long as I still get a kick out of it".

The actor is currently working on Broadway, starring in Othello. Reports stated the star was offered some US$205m to return to the Bond franchise.