JAMES Bond director Danny Boyle quit the franchise in a row over killing off the spy.

Daniel Craig, who is said to be filming his final 007 movie, and producer Barbara Broccoli are believed to have wanted to Bond to die in a “spectacular finale”, according to sources.

5 Oscar-winning director Danny Boyle said it was a 'ridiculous' idea to kill off Bond in the forthcoming film Credit: EPA

5 Daniel Craig is now filming his fifth - and, apparently, last - outing as super spy James Bond Credit: Getty Images - Getty

But Oscar-winner Boyle, 61, refused to kill off the secret agent, labelling the idea “ridiculous”.

An insider said: “There were discussions about killing off Bond in dramatic fashion at the end.

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It would be a final hurrah for Daniel, and leave fans hanging.

“It would also leave it open for a twist in the next instalment — either Bond hadn’t died or there could be a Doctor Who-esque regeneration with a new actor.

5 Bond producer Barbara Broccoli is said to support a cliffhanger end to the film, involving the death of 007 Credit: Getty - Contributor

5 Daniel Craig with his wife Rachel Weisz, at the Golden Globe awards Credit: Getty Images - Getty

5 Yann Demange - director of the acclaimed thriller '71 - is a favourite to take the helm on the new Bond film Credit: Getty - Contributor

“There were clashes over budget and there’s pandemonium among crew with people leaving the production left, right and centre.

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“There are fears the film will be put back months and backroom staff are worried about where their next pay cheque is coming from.”

It was announced this week that Boyle, the man behind the 2012 Olympics opening ceremony, had quit over “creative differences”.

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David Mackenzie, Matthew Vaughn, Joe Wright and Yann Demange are in the frame to replace the Slumdog Millionaire director.

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