Daniel Craig’s edgy and gritty version of James Bond is widely considered to be one of the most popular interpretations of the suave British spy. Following the more traditional and intentionally witty portrayal by Pierce Brosnan, Craig took over in 2006 with his first film in the Bond franchise, Casino Royale, which went on to become a massive hit at the box office.
A unique feature of the 5 movies was the recurring reference to Eva Green’s character Vesper Lynd who becomes an important emotional link for James Bond through all the narratives despite only appearing in the first film. Craig believed that if the franchise had to move forward with a similar pattern, it would only work if the foundation was firmly set.
Daniel Craig Has Firm Rules For His James Bond Template
Apart from being considered one of the most successful actors to have played James Bond, Daniel Craig’s stint as the 007 spy saw him star in 5 films that went on to make huge money at the box office. Beginning with the acclaimed Casino Royale, Craig went on to do Quantum of Solace, Skyfall, Spectre, and finally No Time to Die which was his swansong with the franchise.
While the narratives were marked by a lot of gritty edge-of-the seat action, the unique feature of the stories was the running link between Bond and Eva Green’s Vesper Lynd that connected many important dots in future films.
Green who appeared only in the first film and ends up betraying the British spy, served as an constant emotional reminder to Bond through his other relationship with Léa Seydoux’s Madeleine Swann. In an interview with Den Of Geek, Craig spoke of his connection to the character and how she influenced future narratives through her actions.
In Quantum of Solace, Spectre, and No Time to Die where he visits her grave at the beginning, Lynd’s presence has been a pivotal part in Bond trying to resolve his emotional issues. Addressing how this connection evolved through the films, the Knives Out actor said,
We sort of got to this place in Spectre where it felt like he was falling in love with somebody at the end of the movie. And that felt like, for me at that point, where we’d end it, because we got to the sort of [happy ending]. But then we got to talking [about] a few of the ideas that I’d had for a long, long time. We got some more ideas, people came in, and it formed.
When asked about the future of James Bond which will now see a new actor taking on the role, Craig was steadfast in his opinion that the franchise should be very cautious to take the narrative forward in a similar manner.
The actor believed that the Vesper Lynd connection in his films worked wonderfully as the foundation was laid through a brilliant script in Casino Royale. He believed that only great writing could envision such narratives that could flow into one another in this manner.
I would if they had a good story. We had Casino Royale, we had a great source, and the guys wrote a great script. Without having that, I don’t know if you can recreate it with as much impact… if they can, if you can link them through, then yeah, definitely. But they don’t have to.
For now, all eyes are focused on who the next James Bond will be after Craig. Once that is decided, it remains to be seen how Barbara Broccoli takes the narrative forward.
Hugh Jackman Helped Daniel Craig Come To Terms With Superstardom
Daniel Craig’s blockbuster 15-year stint as the iconic British spy James Bond made him a bonafide superstar overnight. But sometimes, too much of a good thing can be detrimental to a person’s mind, and the actor experienced this feeling following his massive success as the suave agent.
The Quantum of Solace star who went from being a relatively unknown British actor to a major Hollywood celebrity with Casino Royale, revealed that he struggled emotionally and mentally to cope with this sudden burst of fame.
While fans around the world were going crazy about Craig’s version of the debonair secret agent, the actor himself was ironically in a state of misery. In the Apple TV+ documentary Being James Bond, the No Time to Die star recalled his emotionally insecure state at the time and said,
My personal life was affected by being that famous all of a sudden. I used to lock myself in and close the curtains, I was in cloud cuckoo land. I was physically and mentally under siege.
Craig found a helpful ally in Hugh Jackman who was instrumental in imparting words of wisdom to the James Bond actor regarding his newfound superstardom. Jackman advised the Cowboys and Aliens actor to soak in the feeling, enjoy the adulation, and appreciate the good things coming his way without over analyzing it. Craig revealed that he was eternally grateful to the Marvel alum for giving him perspective.
