Producers made the unusual move last night (July 24) of announcing the opening date for the next James Bond movie, without revealing any details of its title, story, or cast.

The 25th movie in the iconic spy franchise, or "Bond 25" as it's currently known, will open in fall 2019, four years after Bond's last outing, Spectre, in 2015:

https://twitter.com/007/status/889575964983914496

Okay. So. That may answer one question about the future of the franchise, but what about all the others? Like, is Daniel Craig reprising his role of 007 for the fifth and final time? Or do we have a new face to look forward to in the lead role?

Names such as Tom Hiddleston, Idris Elba, Tom Hardy, and Poldark star Aidan Turner have been bandied about as possible replacements ever since Daniel said he would rather "slash his wrists" than play the character again, although he's since changed his mind, it seems.

The mixed messages have left us scratching our heads, but producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli declined to give away any more details, saying announcements about the distributor, cast and director would come at a later date.

Oh, you tease.

The New York Times has since confirmed recent reports that Daniel will return, however. They claim that two sources close to negotiations told them Daniel's contract is a "done deal," though that's yet to be confirmed by Eon Productions, the London-based company that oversees all things 007, or distributors Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.

The lead role isn't the only aspect of the new film that's got tongues wagging, either. Dunkirk's Christopher Nolan recently let slip that he'd been in talks with Bond producers following the departure of Spectre director Sam Mendes, saying: "I’ve spoken to the producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson over the years. I deeply love the character, and I’m always excited to see what they do with it.

"Maybe one day that would work out. You'd have to be needed, if you know what I mean. It has to need reinvention; it has to need you. And they're getting along very well."

So. Will Daniel Craig be getting the Dark Knight treatment? Or is Nolan regular Tom Hardy a better fit for the Inception director? Watch this space for more updates.

Will you be lining up for tickets come November 8, 2019?