Ken Gargett Posted October 13, 2015 Posted October 13, 2015 Daniel Craig: I'd rather slash my wrists than play James Bond again After four films as 007, British actor says if he did reprise role, ‘it would be only for the money’ Daniel Craig as James Bond in 2008’s Quantum of Solace. Thursday 8 October 2015 For actors of a certain masculine bent, James Bond has long been viewed as a career pinnacle. But after four films as 007 Daniel Craig says he has had enough, and would “rather slash my wrists” than reprise the role. If that wasn’t enough, the 47-year-old admitted that if he did return as Bond it would be just for the money. He took a similarly dismissive opinion on that staple of British conversational life, who should take over in the role: “Look, I don’t give a ****.” During a brief but open interview with Time Out magazine before the release this month of the latest Bond title, Spectre, Craig also confirmed his torso gets an airing (“Yes, I’ve been working out for six months. Of course I’m getting my kit off!”), while noting that the focus on Bond’s physical appearance was “a drag”. The strongest words came when Craig was asked if he could imagine another film in the role. “Now? I’d rather … slash my wrists,” he replied. “No, not at the moment. Not at all. That’s fine. I’m over it at the moment. We’re done. All I want to do is move on.” Craig added a slight caveat, saying this would be his view for “at least a year or two”. He added: “I don’t know what the next step is. I’ve no idea. Not because I’m trying to be cagey. Who the **** knows? At the moment, we’ve done it. I’m not in discussion with anybody about anything. If I did another Bond movie, it would only be for the money.” It’s worth noting, however, that only last month Craig said he would continue in the role “as long as I’m physically able”. Craig was initially seen as a somewhat risky choice for Bond before his debut in Casino Royale in 2006, viewed by some as insufficiently debonair and arched-eyebrowed, even too blond. But his tougher, more brutal take on the rebooted character has proved vastly popular, with 2012’s Skyfall, Craig’s third film, proving the highest-grossing Bond of all time. In the Time Out interview, Craig said he and Sam Mendes, who directed Skyfall and Spectre, “butted heads a lot” during the first film, but have become very close. On Spectre, Craig added, he contributed to elements of the script. “The way it works is that I’d wake up in the middle of the night with an idea and write it down and send it to Sam and he ignores me or doesn’t ignore me, or talks to me the following morning and we develop it from there,” Craig said. “So I’m not physically writing things down.” If Craig does retire as Bond he will do so relatively young compared with some of his predecessors. Pierce Brosnan was 49 in his last appearance, Roger Moore, was 58 as he wheezed through A View to a Kill, but Timothy Dalton escaped at 45. Some Bonds have seen their profile dip after the role. Dalton, for example, admittedly more of a stage actor, is possibly best known since for voicing a thespian toy hedgehog in Toy Story 3. Timothy Dalton in The Living Daylights. He more recently starred in Toy Story 3. Photograph: Moviestore Collection/Rex Craig said he did not worry about being typecast because Bond had “changed my working life in an incredible way”. He added: “There are more opportunities. I could do many, many things. But it takes an awful amount of time. If anything, the restriction is that it is incredibly time-consuming. That’s the restriction.” And while Craig professed no view on who should take over from him, he did have some sage, if arguably obvious, advice: “Don’t be ****. You’ve got to step up. People do not make movies like this any more. This is really rare now. So don’t be ****.” Gingerfinger: Damien Lewis new bookies' favourite for next James Bond William Hill slashes odds after flurry of bets amid speculation Daniel Craig might step down following release of Spectre Next 007 ... Damien Lewis has previously joked that Bond’s Scottish heritage has paved the way for a redheaded take on the suave British spy. Photograph: Yui Mok/EMPICS Tuesday 16 June 2015 Bookmakers have slashed odds on Damien Lewis becoming the next James Bond after a flurry of large bets on the Homeland star. William Hill now has Lewis as short as 6/4 to follow Daniel Craig as 007 amid speculation that forthcoming movie Spectre could be the 47-year-old’s final stint as the suave British spy. Lewis is now the favourite for the role ahead of Idris Elba, 42 (5/2), Tom Hardy, 37 (4/1), Henry Cavill, 32 (5/1) and Michael Fassbender, 38 (7/1). Jason Statham: 'Do I want to be the next James Bond? Absolutely' He’s got the deadliest skills and the maddest stare but has Jason Statham got the chops for comedy? Britain’s toughest export talks about keeping a straight face, doing his own stunts and having 007 in his crosshairs Read more Craig is thought to be contracted for at least one more movie after Spectre, but might choose to go out on a high if Sam Mendes’ return to the director’s chair proves as successful as his last outing, the $1bn Skyfall. The Oscar-winning British film-maker’s second 007 movie is widely predicted to be one of the year’s biggest releases. Hackney-born Elba, best known for turns in The Wire and BBC crime drama Luther, was the previous frontrunner to play Bond. But he appeared to rule himself out in April, telling an audience at London’s British Film Institute that he had given up on getting the call from 007 production company Eon. “If there was ever any chance of me getting Bond, it’s gone,” said Elba, further suggesting the longstanding rumour was “really starting to eat itself”. Why Idris Elba shouldn't give up on playing James Bond Suggestions that Elba should replace Daniel Craig – despite the misgivings of previous 007 actors – are nothing to do with political correctness and all to do with his star quality Read more Meanwhile, studios MGM and Sony have released a new behind-the-scenes set video for Spectre which confirms that the new film’s opening sequence takes place at the Day of the Dead festival in Mexico City. “I wanted the audience to be dropped right into the middle of a very, very specific, very heady, rich environment,” said Mendes. “It’s the Day of the Dead, everywhere you look there’s colour and detail and life. We’ve built floats and maquettes, the costumes are extraordinary and the craftsmanship is amazing.” Spectre, the 24th official Bond movie, stars Craig opposite double Oscar-winner Christoph Waltz as likely villain Franz Oberhauser, Monica Bellucci, Léa Seydoux and Stephanie Sigman, as well as the returning Ralph Fiennes (as the new M), Naomie Harris (Moneypenny) and Ben Whishaw (Q). The new adventure, released on November 6, sees 007 visiting Mexico City, Rome and Sölden in the Austrian Alps.
First Lady Posted October 13, 2015 Posted October 13, 2015 Damien Lewis as BOND .......Noooooooooooooooooooooooo, sorry he just does not have the look or presence as James Bond .. 2
MIKA27 Posted October 13, 2015 Posted October 13, 2015 Thanks for posting Ken. Craig has changed his story several times about his future involvement in more Bond flicks, why would anyone say no!? No doubt Daniel Craig has always been an actor but IMO, Bond has made him extremely wealthy as well as afforded him greater coverage in the movie world. Jason Statham - Not really the look for James Bond, would be a great Villain but a little grotty to play a suave Bond role. Damien Lewis as Bond would be blasphemy! Idris Elba is where my money is and would be a welcome change to have. I do hope Craig plays at least one more Bond movie as I really love his version of James Bond.
melies Posted October 13, 2015 Posted October 13, 2015 I think Jeremy Clarkson would make a great Bond! No one? common people!!! power!!! 1
dangolf18 Posted October 13, 2015 Posted October 13, 2015 Grew up with Brosnan as Bond. Craig has been a safe and solid play as bond, but haven't been a big fan. Looking forward to a change.
ElAbogado Posted October 13, 2015 Posted October 13, 2015 I'd also like to see Craig give it one more go. Tom Hardy would be an interesting replacement, don't see Fassbender going for it.... I would refuse to see any Bond movie starring Damien Lewis - his tiny mouth and red hair are so distracting. 3
cigcars Posted October 13, 2015 Posted October 13, 2015 From the previews of the newest Bond film due out, I'm just excited as sh#t about the next Bond villain being played by Christophe Waltz! MAN, that's gonna be good! And I'm not even a James Bond film fan! But I'm convinced Waltz will be GREAT, just like he's been in everything else. My humble 2 cts. 2
cigcars Posted October 13, 2015 Posted October 13, 2015 I'd also like to see Craig give it one more go. Tom Hardy would be an interesting replacement, don't see Fassbender going for it.... I would refuse to see any Bond movie starring Damien Lewis - his tiny mouth and red hair are so distracting. boy, muffled snicker, snicker! 1
Ken Gargett Posted October 13, 2015 Author Posted October 13, 2015 Thanks for posting Ken. Craig has changed his story several times about his future involvement in more Bond flicks, why would anyone say no!? No doubt Daniel Craig has always been an actor but IMO, Bond has made him extremely wealthy as well as afforded him greater coverage in the movie world. Jason Statham - Not really the look for James Bond, would be a great Villain but a little grotty to play a suave Bond role. Damien Lewis as Bond would be blasphemy! Idris Elba is where my money is and would be a welcome change to have. I do hope Craig plays at least one more Bond movie as I really love his version of James Bond. i'm with you - like to see craig again. if you place connery on a different pedestal - simply because he set the standard, then craig has been the best bond by a mile (what a shame they let some dill direct quantum and stuff it up). the comments re who would turn it down, i've seen reports which i believed were confirmed by the producers - lazenby was offered a 7 film deal and rejected it. typecasting? who knows. not the best career decision. connery also said no way would he do another - the title of 'never say never again' came from his wife quoting him about that. but he was offered serious dosh. always interesting to see the different views from different eras. i was a fan of brosnan when he was remington steele but as bond, always thought he made a great remington steele. thought he was weak in the role though getting better. moore turned it into cartoon. i liked timothy dalton. the ability to deliver those cheesy one liners was very much a moore/brosnan thing, and neither did it very well. connery was good at it. but it just is not a craig thing. but he occasionally has a great line - the first one when asked if he'd like the martini shaken or stirred. do i look like i bloody care. i must say that the first time i saw henry cavill i thought that there was an actor who could do bond, in time. not so sure re lewis though he is a superb actor and has been for years. and remember, craig was villified before casino royale came out. i did like the comment that if lewis took it on, they could do a remake and call it 'moonranga'. 1
MIKA27 Posted October 13, 2015 Posted October 13, 2015 i'm with you - like to see craig again. if you place connery on a different pedestal - simply because he set the standard, then craig has been the best bond by a mile (what a shame they let some dill direct quantum and stuff it up). the comments re who would turn it down, i've seen reports which i believed were confirmed by the producers - lazenby was offered a 7 film deal and rejected it. typecasting? who knows. not the best career decision. connery also said no way would he do another - the title of 'never say never again' came from his wife quoting him about that. but he was offered serious dosh. always interesting to see the different views from different eras. i was a fan of brosnan when he was remington steele but as bond, always thought he made a great remington steele. thought he was weak in the role though getting better. moore turned it into cartoon. i liked timothy dalton. the ability to deliver those cheesy one liners was very much a moore/brosnan thing, and neither did it very well. connery was good at it. but it just is not a craig thing. but he occasionally has a great line - the first one when asked if he'd like the martini shaken or stirred. do i look like i bloody care. i must say that the first time i saw henry cavill i thought that there was an actor who could do bond, in time. not so sure re lewis though he is a superb actor and has been for years. and remember, craig was villified before casino royale came out. i did like the comment that if lewis took it on, they could do a remake and call it 'moonranga'. The era of the overly corny Bond died with Brosnan and Moore IMO. I could be wrong but I always assumed the direction of the Craig Bond was to get away from that typical Suave "British" gentleman James Bond and inject it with a little more serious character who occasionally muttered out a one liner such as Daniel Craig. I think the Craig James Bond is tougher and more physical compared the the previous films? As for your comment about Timothy Dalton, I too thought he was a pretty good James Bond, a lot of people disagree. I was going to say something "Ranga-ish" but thought I'd behave...
Ken Gargett Posted October 13, 2015 Author Posted October 13, 2015 The era of the overly corny Bond died with Brosnan and Moore IMO. I could be wrong but I always assumed the direction of the Craig Bond was to get away from that typical Suave "British" gentleman James Bond and inject it with a little more serious character who occasionally muttered out a one liner such as Daniel Craig. I think the Craig James Bond is tougher and more physical compared the the previous films? As for your comment about Timothy Dalton, I too thought he was a pretty good James Bond, a lot of people disagree. I was going to say something "Ranga-ish" but thought I'd behave... the early connery has a high level of violence, especially considering the era. in dr no, he really does act the assassin, waiting for an informer and then killing him (and the mistress, if i recall) in cold blood. not really something you think of with moore and brosnan. definitely with craig. he was never the suave gent in the books.
Puros Y Vino Posted October 13, 2015 Posted October 13, 2015 I'd like to see Idris Elba get the nod. He's got that British charm. He's an imposing figure and has a distinctive voice. It would be a bold departure but I'm sure he can capture the spirit of Bond with ease. He's never been a bankable leading man so far in his career but IMO neither has Craig. Playing Bond has elevated actors' careers. Prior to Casino Royale he really wasn't a "star" either. 1
Ken Gargett Posted October 13, 2015 Author Posted October 13, 2015 I'd like to see Idris Elba get the nod. He's got that British charm. He's an imposing figure and has a distinctive voice. It would be a bold departure but I'm sure he can capture the spirit of Bond with ease. He's never been a bankable leading man so far in his career but IMO neither has Craig. Playing Bond has elevated actors' careers. Prior to Casino Royale he really wasn't a "star" either. i think that they will avoid a star. takes the focus away from the character. has to be a decent actor. worked with craig. might work with elba but he is already mid 40s. they won't make another film for 2-3 years at least so he will be late 40s. so i think he is no chance. but for those who want it... https://youtu.be/swo9oFDW3u8 1
skalls Posted October 13, 2015 Posted October 13, 2015 I kinda would like to see Idris Elba in the role. I agree with you Ken though, I think he may be older than what the studio is looking for. Connery was still the best overall, but Craig's has been great too.
MIKA27 Posted October 13, 2015 Posted October 13, 2015 i think that they will avoid a star. takes the focus away from the character. has to be a decent actor. worked with craig. might work with elba but he is already mid 40s. they won't make another film for 2-3 years at least so he will be late 40s. so i think he is no chance. but for those who want it... https://youtu.be/swo9oFDW3u8 Idris Alba looks great for his age, he could easily do at least 1 or 2 Bond movies. I'd love to see him as the next Bond. I don't think Henry Cavill is suitable purely because he's well known and already in a semi-similar show, the man from uncle. Although in saying this, that's not to say they wouldn't cast him. 1
Ken Gargett Posted October 13, 2015 Author Posted October 13, 2015 Idris Alba looks great for his age, he could easily do at least 1 or 2 Bond movies. I'd love to see him as the next Bond. I don't think Henry Cavill is suitable purely because he's well known and already in a semi-similar show, the man from uncle. Although in saying this, that's not to say they wouldn't cast him. he may have a clause in the contract preventing him, in case uncle becomes a franchise. mind you, there is a link. fleming created the character of napoleon solo. as for idris alba or anyone signing on to play just one or two films, i don't see it. i think that jars the franchise around too much these days. works better if they can stick with an actor for at least 4-5 films. alba would be in his 50s for his 2nd outing. can't see it. and no one will touch the black/white thing but i think that doesn't assist him. not least because quite simply the character in the book was a white man. they flipped felix lightner (sp?) from white to black. i think that was as far as they'll go. 1
Lotusguy Posted October 14, 2015 Posted October 14, 2015 I just want that new DuPont Ligne 2 LE lighter!!
Upgrayedd Posted October 14, 2015 Posted October 14, 2015 I read the hell out of the Bond novels in high school and still really enjoy their atmosphere so I'd be more excited to see a retro reboot of the series than anything else, or at least throw in an old Bentley and a long slide 1911. That said Craig does a good job of staying close to the book's Bond and I think Idris Elba could do the same.
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