Licence to chill! Daniel Craig is under wraps in thick winter coat as he steps out in freezing New York... after staying silent 'for a year' over his future as James Bond

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His association with James Bond is understood to be in doubt following a year-long silence regarding his future involvement with the long running franchise.

But the pending decision to appear in what will be his fifth Bond film were put on hold as Daniel Craig stepped out for lunch in a bitterly cold New York City on Saturday afternoon.

The British actor, 48, was dressed appropriately in a thick sheepskin coat and blue woollen beanie hat as he idled on a snow laden sidewalk.

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Licence to chill: The pending decision to appear in what will be his fifth Bond film were put on hold as Daniel Craig stepped out for lunch in a bitterly cold New York City on Saturday afternoon

Daniel rounded off his look with a pair of slim fitting jeans, while chunky winter boots proved to sensible additions to a very seasonal ensemble. 

The actor is understood to have left MGM bosses 'panicking' after going 'off grid' for a year, while film bosses are desperate to sign him up as the famous secret agent.

Executives have now started planning for the next installment of the successful movie franchise, which is set for release in 2018, without knowing if the British actor will take part.

The speculation rises: 007 star Daniel Craig, 48, has left MGM bosses 'panicking' after keeping mum for a year on his decision to star in Bond 25

Speaking about the sticky situation, a source told the Daily Mirror: 'Daniel and MGM are currently at a stalemate with him having not spoken to them about Bond.

'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'.

Continuing on about the flick's timeline, the source revealed: 'They want Bond 25 out in October 2018, but currently they have no Bond, film dates or knowledge of when that will change.'

But despite 'so much hanging in the air', Daniel hinted strongly back in October that he may not want to turn his back on 007. 

MailOnline has contacted representative for Daniel for comment.  

Keeping mum: The British actor has been 'off grid' for a year from film bosses who are desperate to sign him up as the famous secret agent 

Speaking at the New Yorker Festival, he told the audience: 'I got the best job in the world doing Bond. The things I get to do on a Bond movie and the type of work it is, there's no other job like it. 

'If I were to stop doing it – just say – I'd miss it terribly. It's one of the most thrilling things as an actor you can do.

'I love this job. I get a massive kick out of it. And, if I can keep getting a kick out of it, I will.'

Reports initially surfaced that Daniel would be quitting the franchise after he stated that he'd 'rather slash his wrists' than do another Bond film.

'They have not spoken to Daniel': The star has been offered a 'bigger wage deal' and asked about his availability for 2017 but have yet to hear from him 

However, the comments were made at the end of a gruelling press tour. 

Speaking further to journalist Nicholas Schmidle, the performer also stated that the franchise's principals, including producer Barbara Broccoli, were also focused on different projects.

Broccoli will be producing the off-Broadway production of Othello, which Daniel will star in himself from November through to January.

He's also soon set to star in the drama TV series Purity, giving front-runners Tom Hiddleston, Idris Elba and Aidan Turner the chance to nab the role of the womanising MI6 agent. 

However, Callum McDougall, who has been a producer on a host of the Bond films, said neither he nor fellow producers Michael Wilson and Barbara hope to see a changing of the guard.

'I got the best job in the world': Daniel hinted strongly back in October at the New Yorker Festival that he may not want to turn his back on 007

'We love Daniel': Callum McDougall, who has been a producer on a host of the Bond films, said neither he nor fellow producers Michael Wilson and Barbara hope to see a changing of the guard

Asked who would be next to fill 007's tuxedo, he told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme: 'I wish I knew. We love Daniel, we would love Daniel to return as Bond.

'Without any question, he is absolutely Barbara Broccoli and Michael Wilson's first choice and I know they are hoping for him to come back.'

Asked if the job was his if he wanted to sign up for another film, he said: 'Absolutely.' 

Another blow for Bond came with the announcement that director Sam Mendes - who helmed the last two movies Spectre and Skyfall - was to step away from the franchise. 

Leaving: Another blow for Bond came with the announcement that director Sam Mendes - who helmed the last two movies Spectre and Skyfall - was to step away from the franchise