2006 witnessed Martin Campbell breathing new life into the James Bond formula with the release of Casino Royale, which introduced a more grittier and realistic version of 007, played by Daniel Craig. While it was Sean Connery, who laid down the foundation for every Bond flick that succeeded him, Craig’s version of the British Spy couldn’t have been more different than Sir Connery.
Unlike Sean Connery, whose effortless charisma and confidence ensured that Bond was the coolest person onscreen, Martin Campbell’s Casino Royale witnesses a more humanized 007. And reflecting on his version of the Bond, Craig revealed the inspiration behind his 007, which involved Roger Moore.
Roger Moore’s Live and Let Die Inspired Daniel Craig’s 007
Martin Campbell’s Casino Royale is one of the more physical entries in the James Bond franchise, with one prominent example being the scene where Bond is captured and tortured by Le Chiffre. And following Daniel Craig’s most humane take on the British Icon, the major inspiration came from Roger Moore’s Live and Let Die. Although Live and Let Die isn’t as acclaimed as most of Sean Connery‘s Bond films, considering it was the first James Bond film Craig watched, it’s reasonable why it influenced his version of 007 greatly. Speaking with Empire Magazine, he said,
“I still think it’s a great film, and the more I’ve got into this job, the more I’ve looked at it and the more I’ve tried to feel a connection to it.” He tries to find the words. “There’s a thing that Bond does… In Casino Royale he gets knocked down. I mean, he gets mowed down. But he always fucking gets up. Always. And that’s really fascinating.
The grittier and more realistic approach helped Campbell to reinvent the Bond mythos for the modern audience, cementing Daniel Craig as the best 007 since Sir Connery.
Daniel Craig Was Sold on the Gritty and Realistic Story
It’s pretty well-known that Daniel Craig wasn’t too enthusiastic about taking the 007 gig, as he rejected the initial offer. And while Steven Spielberg eventually convinced Craig to give the script a shot, the Munich Star was assured he would not be sold on the writing. But it wasn’t the case, as he was completely engrossed in Campbell’s gritty vision.
He told Empire Magazine:
“I was honestly wanting to dislike it. It would have been an easy decision. I could have said, ‘That’s very nice. Good luck with it.’ But it was too much. I sweated when I read the script. I thought, this is a great story…”
Looking back at Craig’s journey as the British Icon, taking inspiration from Live and Let Die surely worked out, and fans will hope the next Bond that succeeds him brings something new to the table too.
