NEW YORK, Aug 28 — The next episode of the “James Bond” saga will mark the return of the ironic tone that was the hallmark of the original films, Daniel Craig told New York Magazine’s culture website Vulture.com.

The British spy’s cool-headed humour, which was somewhat absent from “Casino Royale” (2006) and “Quantum of Solace” (2008), made its way into a few scenes in “Skyfall”. But the next instalment in the Bond series is expected to mark the return of 007’s irony, which was a signature of Ian Fleming’s character and of the earlier Bond films.

“Hopefully we’ll reclaim some of the old irony, and make sure it doesn’t become pastiche,” Craig told the magazine. The actor was interviewed between rehearsals for Harold Pinter’s “Betrayal”, directed by Mike Nichols, which will open on Broadway in October.

John Logan and Sam Mendes, who wrote and directed “Skyfall”, are working on the screenplay for the 24th episode in the Bond saga.

The film, slated for release in 2015, will pick up where “Skyfall” left off, offering the occasional nod to classic elements of the James Bond universe, which first came to the silver screen in 1962.

Daniel Craig will be reunited on the set with Naomie Harris, Ben Whishaw and Ralph Fiennes in the roles of Miss Moneypenny, Q and M. — AFP/Relaxnews