Daniel Craig coming to Showtime with adaptation of Jonathan Franzen’s ‘Purity’

Daniel Craig will be switching from the world of Ian Fleming to Jonathan Franzen with “Purity,” an adaptation of the best-selling novel that was picked up by Showtime on Wednesday.

Centered on the story of a smart but aimless college graduate named Pip, the novel “Purity” spans multiple decades and locations in a work that takes on Internet culture and modern life. Craig, who will also executive produce the series, will portray Andreas Wolf, a mysterious German expat living in Bolivia who crosses paths with Pip.

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No other casting announcement has yet been revealed, but writer-director Todd Field – best known for the indie films “Little Children” and “In the Bedroom” – has signed on to direct each episode of “Purity,” which will span 20 episodes over two years. Field is also on board as a writer and executive producer along with Franzen and David Hare. Scott Rudin and Eli Bush will also executive produce.

“Jonathan Franzen’s ‘Purity’ is an epic American novel that pulses with the energy of a psychological thriller,” Showtime President and CEO David Nevins said in a statement. “I whipped through it in a week.”

The “Purity” announcement will fuel further speculation that Daniel Craig is ready to move on from James Bond, a role he has played for four films since taking over for Pierce Brosnan in 2006. Craig has yet to say whether he will return for a fifth film, but in an interview with TimeOut last year, Craig said, “If I did another Bond movie, it would only be for the money.” Director Sam Mendes, who joined the Bond franchise in 2012 with “Skyfall,” announced in May he was moving on to other projects.

“Purity” is scheduled to begin production in 2017. A premiere date has not been set.

Follow me @chrisbarton.

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