The Trainspotting director was confirmed to direct the latest Bond film earlier this year, however he abandoned the high-profile film last week, citing “creative differences” as the cause.

Reports have surfaced that that the English director departed from the project because of a proposed plot of killing off the titular character and having him 'regenerate' in a Doctor Who style twist. Bond 25 is reportedly the final Bond film to star Daniel Craig before he leaves the long-running spy franchise.

The decision to kill and regenerate Bond is said to be the idea of long-serving producer Barbara Broccoli.

A source revealed: “There were discussions about killing off Bond in dramatic fashion at the end... It would also leave it open for a twist in the next installment — either Bond hadn’t died or there could be a Doctor Who-esque regeneration with a new actor.”

Bookmakers have begun offering odds on potential directors to replace Boyle. Among those lining up to replace Boyle as director are David Mackenzie (Hell or High Water), Matthew Vaughn (Kingsman: The Secret Service) , Joe Wright ( Hanna) , Denis Villeneuve (Arrival) and Yann Demange (Top Boy).