Daniel Craig Says He Handled James Bond Fame Like a “F*cking Disaster”

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As a seasoned movie critic with decades of experience under my belt, I must say that Daniel Craig‘s journey as James Bond has been nothing short of captivating. His portrayal of the iconic secret agent has been a rollercoaster ride of controversy, fame, and ultimately, liberation.

It appears that Daniel Craig, the well-known English actor, has grown weary of certain aspects related to his role as James Bond. He often finds himself fielding questions about who might take over the character, or if there could be a gay portrayal of Bond. Recently, he reminisced about his time as Britain’s iconic fictional spy and the sudden fame that ensued after his debut in Casino Royale (2006).

In an interview with The New Yorker, Craig humorously referred to his management of James Bond fame as a “complete mess.” When asked about dealing with sudden stardom, the actor playfully said, “I plunged into a massive, deep, dark pit. I went to Mexico City, indulged in a lot of drugs. If only it had been true.” However, his real strategy was less glamorous (or illegal), as he “secluded myself and refused to leave my home, feeling paranoid. After all, I had reasons for it.

Critics were highly critical of Craig’s selection as James Bond prior to Casino Royale. However, following the film, many people now consider him their preferred portrayal of 07. As he put it, “Before the first movie, people would say, ‘He’s absolutely terrible.’ But afterward, they said, ‘He’s really good.’ And suddenly, there’s this massive interest in me. It feels like I can never go out again.

Daniel Craig Felt “Free” After Leaving James Bond

In 2021, Daniel Craig portrayed James Bond for the last time in the movie titled “No Time to Die.” This film marked the end of his long-running tenure as Bond, paving the way for another actor to assume the role of a licensed killer. Since then, Craig has gained fame for playing the renowned detective Benoit Blanc in Rian Johnson’s “Knives Out” series. He is also currently featured in Luca Guadagnino’s film “Queer,” earning him Oscar recognition. What might surprise you is that Craig and Guadagnino are planning to collaborate again soon on the project titled “Sgt. Rock,” which will be set within the revamped DC Universe.

Craig’s career seems more diverse and exciting following his departure from James Bond. The actor expressed feeling liberated upon stepping down from the iconic role, saying “I found myself surprisingly free.” While still involved in the Bond series, he also took on roles in films like David Fincher’s “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” and the controversial “Cowboys & Aliens.” However, the demanding workload left him feeling “overwhelmed.” He elaborated:

For approximately two years, you find yourself embarking on a new venture, thinking, “This will rejuvenate me.” However, I discovered that I couldn’t muster the necessary energy for it. With varying degrees of success, I managed to complete these films that were just average.

In 2017, he decided to take a break from acting to concentrate on his personal life and loved ones. However, when Rian Johnson presented him with an original murder mystery script, he found it irresistible. Craig explained his initial response to reading “Knives Out” as follows:

I burst out laughing when I saw it, thinking to myself, ‘Is he serious about this task?’ He responded affirmatively. I asked, ‘Are you asking me to adopt a Southern accent?’ To which he replied, ‘Indeed.’

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2024-12-01 00:05