Daniel Craig’s Legacy as James Bond

Daniel Craig has achieved a remarkable milestone in the James Bond franchise, holding the title of the longest-serving actor in the role. His journey began with Casino Royale in 2006 and concluded with No Time To Die in 2021, spanning five films. As the sixth actor to portray the iconic 007, Craig has garnered a dedicated fanbase, with many praising his portrayal as the definitive Bond. This has set a high bar for whoever follows in his footsteps, making the search for the next Bond a daunting task for producers Barbara Broccoli and her team.

In the wake of Craig’s departure, speculation has swirled around potential candidates to don the famous tuxedo. Names like Idris Elba, Tom Hardy, Henry Cavill, and Michael Fassbender have all surfaced in discussions about the coveted role. Currently, the spotlight seems to shine on Aaron Taylor-Johnson, a 33-year-old actor who is considered a frontrunner. However, fans eager for an official announcement regarding the 26th Bond film will have to exercise patience. The prolonged wait has only intensified the anticipation and speculation surrounding the future of the franchise.

In a recent interview with Variety, when asked about his thoughts on passing the James Bond torch, Craig offered a candid and somewhat blunt response: “I don’t care.” This statement underscores his move away from the iconic role as he focuses on new projects. Currently, he is promoting his latest film, Luca Guadagnino’s Queer, which had its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival earlier this year. Critics have hailed it as one of the standout films of the festival.

Queer is an ambitious adaptation of the William S. Burroughs novel, featuring Craig in a complex role as a needy and restless character, modeled after Burroughs himself. Set in 1940s Mexico, he portrays William Lee, an American expatriate yearning for a younger man (played by Drew Starkey). The film has received acclaim, with one review noting, “When it comes to best male lead performances this year on the Lido, Daniel Craig was the one to beat.” Despite missing out on the top acting award, which went to Vincent Lindon for the more conventional The Quiet Son, many anticipate that Oscar nominations could be on the horizon for Craig’s performance. The film is described as daring, showcasing Guadagnino’s signature sensuality, stunning visuals, and a captivating soundtrack that adds depth to the narrative. Read our full review.

Queer is set to hit limited theaters in the US on November 27 and in the UK on December 13. Meanwhile, audiences in mainland Europe will have to wait until early 2025 for its release.

Craig’s Return to the Screen

In addition to Queer, Craig is also set to reprise his role as detective Benoit Blanc in the upcoming Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, slated for release next year. However, the rollout of this third installment in Rian Johnson’s acclaimed Knives Out series has been a point of contention for Craig, who is advocating for a traditional theatrical release rather than a streaming debut on Netflix.

Craig expressed his hopes to Variety, stating, “Hopefully, Netflix will push it out a bit, and people will get to see it. The fans I speak to all want to take their families to the cinema to experience it together. That’s what they desire, and I hope we can provide them that opportunity.” The first film in the franchise, Knives Out, was a massive success upon its release by Lionsgate in 2019, prompting Netflix to make a multi-film deal with Johnson for sequels. The first sequel, Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, made history as the first Netflix film to screen in major theaters, thanks to partnerships with AMC Theaters, Regal Cinemas, and Cinemark. However, despite its initial theatrical release in 600 US theaters, Glass Onion only remained on screens for one week.

As anticipation builds for Craig’s third adventure as Benoit Blanc, fans and industry insiders alike hope for a return to the cinematic experience. Additionally, the question of who will next take on the mantle of James Bond lingers in the air, leaving many eager for both an official announcement and the promise of thrilling cinematic adventures ahead. That said, we’re not holding our breath.