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“Only for the Money!” – Daniel Craig & Bond 25

Being James Bond is not necessarily an easy task for an actor and rumours about Daniel Craig leaving the role after SPECTRE have been circulating for quite some time now. As we now enter the extensive interview period ahead of the release of SPECTRE, it´s Craigs own words that shed some light on whether he would consider returning for one more Bond film or quit the franchise for good.

Daniel Craig photographed by Rankin, Courtesy of Heineken
Daniel Craig photographed by Rankin, Courtesy of Heineken

In an interview published yesterday on Time Out London, the 47 year old actor talked a great deal about SPECTRE and how he sees his future in the Bond franchise. Being known as outspoken and sincere, Craig made his position unmistakably clear when asked if he would do another Bond film.

“Now? I’d rather break this glass and slash my wrists. 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.”

Given that his Bond films have been among the most successful of the long-running series and many critics regard Craig’s gritty performance as a realistic portrayal of Ian Fleming’s original character, the actor seems determined to move on from Bond but finds clear words on what terms he would consider returning for another film.

“I haven’t given it any thought. For at least a year or two, I just don’t want to think about it. I don’t know what the next step is. I’ve no idea. Not because I’m trying to be cagey. Who the fuck 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 must be understood, that doing a film only for the money is not necessarily a bad trait for an actor. Moreover, they are entitled to claim their market value. However, the question remains if the Bond producers would be willing to wait one or two years until Bond 25 can begin production. Apparently, there had already been plans to start production of Bond 25 as soon as possible.

“At the studio there was a real keenness to get it done as soon as possible. In fact, there was a conversation at one point that went: “Let’s film two movies back to back.” I just went: “You’re out of your fucking minds.” In the nicest possible way. They’re just too big.”

With insider information being passed around that pre-production on Bond 25 could indeed begin as soon as November 2015, with SPECTRE still in cinemas, it seems that the idea has not been completely scrapped. If the next film will star Daniel Craig is another matter. Being asked if he cared about who would replace him as Bond for future films, Craig bluntly replied:

“Look, I don’t give a fuck. Good luck to them! All I care about is that if I stop doing these things we’ve left it in a good place and people pick it up and make it better. Make it better, that’s all.”

Sean Connery in 'DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER'
Sean Connery in ‘DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER’

Thinking about this for a moment reminds me of ‘DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER’ and how Sean Connery was brought back for one more film after a four year absence. He had previously quit the role of Bond after ‘YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE’ in 1967 and Australian actor George Lazenby took over for ‘ON HER MAJESTY´S SECRET SERVICE’ in 1969. Originally contracted for seven Bond films, Lazenby left the role after just one film on the advice of his agent. Although several other actors were tested to replace him, studio bosses at United Artists wanted Connery back and made it clear, that money was no object. When approached to do the next film, Connery demanded a salary of £1.25 million – back then a record sum. The deal was sealed, but the final film clearly shows how little interest and devotion Connery gave to the production and the role that had made him a star in the 1960s. In an interview with Playboy, published in November 1965, Connery didn´t hide the fact that he had enough of James Bond and stated that he was fed up with “the whole Bond bit”. The Bond films had brought him financial security and fame but also an almost unbearable level of attention by the press and fans. In an interview with The Guardian, Connery said: “I have always hated that damned James Bond. I’d like to kill him.”

After ‘DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER’, Connery said he would never again play the role of James Bond. Yet, twelve years later he returned as Bond in the unofficial Bond film ‘NEVER SAY NEVER AGAIN’ which was allegedly named after Connery’s wife Micheline had suggested the title in reference to her husband’s vow. His final appearance as agent 007 cost the producers $3 million ($7 million in 2015 dollars) including a percentage of the profits, as well as casting and script approval.

In our times, where news change almost on an hourly basis, everything is of course to be taken with a pinch of salt. If the success of SPECTRE is enough to make Daniel Craig change his mind is debatable. Playing Bond is clearly not a walk in the park and the production of the latest film, due to hit cinemas on October 26, wasn´t the easiest either. These are big, demanding productions which will always have a considerable effect on the private lives of the cast & crew involved.

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