If it were up to writer-producer William Boyd, another Hollywood legend would have taken up the role of James Bond from Pierce Brosnan. Instead of Daniel Craig, Boyd’s preference was another Daniel — Daniel Day-Lewis. The novelist and screenwriter believed that Day-Lewis was a fitting description of the character as envisioned by Ian Fleming.
Fleming’s James Bond was a slim, blue-grey-eyed character with a cruel mouth and characteristic black hair. The three-time Academy Award winner would have undoubtedly excelled in the role, but it was highly unlikely that he would accept a franchise role.
William Boyd Considered Daniel Day-Lewis As A Better James Bond Than Daniel Craig
According to William Boyd, Daniel Day-Lewis looked a bit like the singer Hoagy Carmichael, whom Ian Fleming described as the closest resemblance to his James Bond. Boyd has a close association with the character after writing a Bond novel set in 1969, titled Solo. Boyd shared that the tall, lean, and dark-haired characteristics of the Lincoln actor were what Fleming envisioned for his Bond. The author of A Good Man in Africa shared with The Independent:
“If there was going to be an actor to play my James Bond, I’d choose another actor who’s been in a film of mine and who is also called Daniel. Daniel Day-Lewis actually resembles the Bond that Fleming describes. He was a tall, lean, rangy, very dark haired good looking man. There’s a sense that image is what he saw his Bond looking like. Daniel Day-Lewis looks a bit like Hoagy Carmichael.”
Daniel Day-Lewis is considered one of the greatest actors in modern cinema, winning Best Actor Oscars for My Left Foot, There Will Be Blood, and Lincoln. Day-Lewis retired from his illustrious career of 46 years in 2017, so it is highly doubtful whether the actor would have accepted a franchise role towards the end of his career.
Boyd also commented on the current Bond actor, Daniel Craig. Interestingly, he had written multiple screenplays for other films featuring Craig. However, Boyd felt that Craig’s version was a more contemporary portrayal, which was far distant from Fleming’s character. Boyd shared that the “link gets fainter and fainter” as new Bond films come out.
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William Boyd’s Interpretation Of James Bond Included All The Classic Ingredients
Boyd’s Bond novel, Solo, included all the classic aspects from Ian Fleming’s novel. Boyd revealed that he had no intention to “sanitize” Bond for the modern times, and shared that his spy character drinks, smokes, and has relationships with multiple women. Boyd also added that it wouldn’t be a Bond novel without respecting the original character’s traditions. Boyd told The Independent:
“You have to respect the tradition of Bond. It’s my invention, but of course being Bond you’d be a fool not to nod to certain aspects to Bond and aspects we love. There’s a lot of eating and drinking, and a lot of reference to clothes. Bond is a sensualist. There is a certain amount of weaponry, automobiles and two beautiful women he has relationships with. It would not be a Bond novel without these things in it.”
Daniel Craig’s retirement has led the film franchise to look for a new James Bond actor. It appears that the casting directors won’t be paying as much attention to details as Boyd did, as the rumored actors like Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Henry Cavill do not fit Fleming’s description. All James Bond movies are now available for streaming on MGM+.
Also Read: Tom Hiddleston Admits He Would be Terrified to Replace Daniel Craig as James Bond
