The first official photo of Daniel Craig returning to his most famous role, James Bond 007, in the coming Skyfall has been released.

The scene shows Craig on the prowl on set in Shanghai, possibly on the hunt for the series new villain played by Javier Bardem.

The file, directed by Academy Award winner Sam Mendes (American Beauty), is the third film in which Craig will star as Ian Fleming’s James Bond 007.

Joining Craig and Bardem is a star studded cast including Ralph Fiennes,Albert Finney, Berenice Marlohe, Naomie Harris, Ben Whishaw with Albert Finney and Judi Dench as M.

The film’s plot is believed to revolve around Bond’s loyalty to M, which is tested as her past comes back to haunt her.

As MI6 comes under attack, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost.

Craig recently spoke up about his desire to shoot a 007 film in Australia.

“I would love to shoot in Australia, that is just me,” Craig said.

“Whether Bond goes there or not, I could not tell you but I personally would love to shoot in Australia.

“I have never worked there, I have just done press there.”

Skyfall, the 23rd adventure in the longest-running film franchise of all time, opens in Australia on November 22.