Christoph Waltz will appear in two more James Bond films as long as Daniel Craig returns as 007

'Christoph could make a brilliant ongoing man for Bond to battle like in the old days'

Christoph Waltz makes his debut as Franz Oberhauser (Spectre)

Christoph Waltz's appearance in the latest James Bond film was originally surrounded in mystery, with many wondering if the actor was playing the evil genius Blofeld.

On Spectre’s release, it was revealed that he was indeed the iconic villain, the film ending with Waltz’s character having been defeated by Bond and captured by the police.

Many expect the 59-year-old to return to the series to reprise the role, with it now being revealed he has signed on for two more films - but with a catch.

The Inglourious Basterds actor will only return if Daniel Craig returns as the titular MI6 agent.

"Christoph could make a brilliant ongoing man for Bond to battle like in the old days,” a source told the Daily Star. "But the important clincher of it is that Blofeld can only work with Daniel back in the role to keep continuity."

Rumours have been floating around since before Spectre that Craig would be leaving the series, the actor himself saying at one stage he would “rather slash his wrists” than play James Bond again.

Producers Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli have both hinted they want Craig to return, with Wilson at one stage telling reporters: “We think we’ve got him but we don’t have a contract.”

Director Sam Mendes, who helmed Skyfall and Spectre, will not return, stating that: “There is a sense of completeness that wasn’t there at the end of Skyfall and that’s what makes this feel different.

"It feels like there’s a rightness to it, that I have finished a journey.”

Spectre will be out on DVD this February.