Daniel Craig is a British actor best known for his portrayal of James Bond in the films “Casino Royale”, “Skyfall” and “Spectre”. Although the role made him a global icon, Craig was never shy about how demanding it really was.
In 2015, just days after wrapping up an eight-month shoot on Specter, Craig gave a candid interview to Time Out London – and what he said about returning as 007 immediately made headlines.
When Daniel Craig and James Bond hit a rough patch
In a previous interview with Time Out London, Craig made no effort to hide his exhaustion from the role. When asked if he could imagine making another Bond film, Craig replied: “Now? I’d rather break that glass and slit my wrists… I’m over it for now.”
We’re done. All I want to do is move forward.” The interview took place just days after the 47-year-old wrapped up his fourth outing as James Bond, and it shows.
Daniel Craig and the only reason he returned as James Bond
Despite the strong words, Craig did not close the door completely. “I didn’t think about it,” he admitted. “For at least a year or two, I don’t want to think about it. I don’t know what the next step is. I have no idea. Not that I’m trying to be careful. Who knows? For now, we’ve done it.”
I don’t talk to anyone about anything. If I do another Bond film, it will be just for the money,” a candid admission from one of Hollywood’s biggest stars.
Daniel Craig explains why playing James Bond is harder than it looks
Craig also used the interview to highlight the unique challenge of playing the world’s most famous spy. “The best acting is when you’re not concerned with the surface. Bond is the opposite of that,” he explained. “You have to worry about your appearance.
It’s a struggle. I know that how Bond puts on the suit and walks into the room is important. But as an actor I don’t want to care about what I look like! So I have to play with both things.
It was a rare and honest look at the tension between the demands of the role and his instincts as an actor.
Daniel Craig and everything he put into the James Bond movie ‘Spectre’
Despite all his exhaustion, Craig explained that he gave “Spectre” everything he had. He personally pushed for Skyfall director Sam Mendes to return, and even contributed ideas to the script.“Every idea I had for a Bond movie, I stuck with it,” he said. Whatever his feelings on the series, he clearly didn’t leave anything on the table.
