Many men – and women too, for that matter – would love to play James Bond. Most of us would also love $150 million.

But Hollywood superstar Daniel Craig is not most people.

The 007 actor, who has played the spy since 2005, has reportedly been offered the hefty sum listed above to return to the franchise for two more films. But Craig has made no secret of his reluctance to step back into the famous tuxedo.

"The studio is desperate to secure the actor's services while they phase in a younger long-term successor," a source told the celebrity news website Radar.

Daniel Craig as James Bond in 2005's Casino Royale

The source also suggested that by playing coy – remember when he told an interviewer he'd rather "slash his wrists" than immediately return to Bond? – Craig has only upped his perceived value.

He's essentially made himself into the man too cool to play Bond.

"Everyone knows how much executives adore him, and the idea of losing him at such a crucial time in the franchise isn't an option as far as all the studio honchos are concerned," said the source, who added that Craig "has played a genius hand."