Whenever an actor takes on the role of James Bond, they embrace the part knowing it has a shelf life. That shelf life could be for one film like George Lazenby, or seven in the case of Roger Moore. Since 2006, Daniel Craig has dazzled audiences with his take on James Bond four separate times. Unfortunately for Craig fans his fifth outing, next year's NO TIME TO DIE, will be his last as the eponymous MI-6 agent.
While promoting his latest film KNIVES OUT on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, Craig was asked point blank by Colbert whether his next Bond film will be his last. Ever a slave to brevity, Daniel Craig replied with simply, "Yes. It's done." Talk about short and sweet.
It's important to note that this isn't the first time Craig has claimed to be done with 007. Shortly after SPECTRE was released in 2015, Craig strongly implied his time with Bond was done, stating, "I'm over it at the moment. We're done. All I want to do is move on." SPECTRE however was an notoriously difficult shoot and the actor was decidedly drained after wrapping the project.
However, I think the fifty-one year old actor has finally met his capacity. Getting in shape and mentally preparing for the role is easier at thirty-eight then it is at fifty-one. Moreover, Craig has experienced several injuries while portraying Bond most recently hurting his ankle on NO TIME TO DIE. Regardless, if this is actually Daniel Craig's last go around as James Bond I'm satisifed with the results. Both CASINO ROYALE and SKYFALL are two of the best Bond films in the history of the franchise and while SPECTRE was medocre, here's hoping NO TIME TO DIE, will have the English actor going out on a high note.
NO TIME TO DIE starring Daniel Craig, Rami Malek, Lashana Lynch, Jeffrey Wright, Lea Seydoux, Naomie Harris, and Ralph Fiennes shoots its way into theaters April 8, 2020.