Daniel Craig has moved on from the function of James Bond, and he’s not trying again.
Throughout an interview with Selection to advertise his upcoming movie Queer, Craig was requested who he thought ought to step into the 007 function subsequent. His response? A nonchalant, “I don’t care,” adopted by laughter. His co-star Drew Starkey joined in on the second with a chuckle and a sidelong look, signaling that Bond speak was shortly off the desk.
This isn’t the primary time Craig has been dismissive about his iconic function as Agent 007. The actor performed Bond in 5 movies from 2006’s On line casino Royale to 2021’s No Time to Die, which he made clear was his swan tune. Reflecting on his time as Bond in a 2022 interview with the BBC, Craig shared, “I had an extremely lucky 17 years of my life making this. I actually wish to spend the following 20 years of my life attempting to unhook all of it and attempt to put it into a spot as a result of it was unbelievable. I left it the place I wished it to be.”
From the very starting, Craig was apprehensive about taking over the function. Studies from The Guardian point out he feared the rigid nature of the franchise and its status for being demanding. Craig additionally expressed issues about typecasting and the franchise’s traditionally chauvinistic components. Regardless of preliminary backlash, together with criticism of his blond hair and peak—each deviations from Ian Fleming’s unique descriptions—Craig in the end received over followers and critics alike. His efficiency introduced a brand new depth to the character and modernized sure components, together with lowering the objectification of girls.
Casting director Debbie McWilliams, who was a part of Craig’s 2006 casting course of, instructed Leisure Weekly in 2021, “It was unbelievably detrimental, I’ve to say. The press response was terrible, and I felt so sorry for him, however in a humorous sort of a method, I believe it nearly spurred him on to do his damnedest to show all people incorrect.” And show them incorrect he did. Craig’s portrayal of Bond was lauded for its grit and complexity, incomes him respect and cementing his legacy.
In recent times, Craig has steered away from roles that resemble the suave super-spy. His upcoming movie Queer, set to launch on Nov. 27, showcases his vary in an adaptation of William S. Burroughs’ 1985 novella. Craig stars as Lee, an older man in Forties Mexico Metropolis who turns into infatuated with a youthful American Navy veteran, performed by Starkey, whereas each characters wrestle with drug dependency.
For individuals who want to relive Craig’s period as James Bond, all 5 of his motion pictures are presently streaming on Prime Video.