After playing the iconic spy James Bond for five films, actor Daniel Craig is ready to say goodbye with No Time to Die.
For years, rumors of who might replace Daniel Craig as James Bond have been circulating. While fans are eager to know who will tackle the role next, there's one person who isn't necessarily looking forward to the casting: Craig. During a recent interview on THR's The Graham Norton Show, the actor revealed that he is happy to say goodbye but may not be emotionally prepared to see his replacement named.
Craig, who has spent 16 years of his life in the franchise, discussed his time as Bond in the interview. "It’s been incredible to do these films," he said. "It’s very emotional. I’m glad I am ending it on my own terms. I’m grateful to the producers for letting me do that. But I sure miss it. I’ll probably be incredibly bitter when the new person takes over."
For the actor, No Time to Die serves as the ending he always wanted for his turn as the character. He was able to say goodbye on his terms, rather than being pushed out of the role. "I’m really, really happy that I was given the opportunity to come back and do No Time to Die," he said. "because we’ve sort of wrapped up a lot of the stories. And just a chance to come do one more was wonderful."
While a new Bond has yet to be selected, fans have urged producers to consider hiring a woman or a person of color for the role after Craig's departure. In the past, producers have suggested that a female Bond was unlikely, but Craig had a different response, reasoning that women and actors of color shouldn't have to settle for Bond. "There should simply be better parts for women and actors of colour," he explained. "Why should a woman play James Bond when there should be a part just as good as James Bond, but for a woman?"
So far there has been no official word on who will take over after Craig's final outing as Bond. However, a few actors have already tossed their names into the ring: Luke Evans, Tom Holland and Henry Cavill among them. Regardless of who gets the role, Craig has sound advice for the next actor to take on the Bond mantle. "It's a beautiful, beautiful, amazing thing. Leave it better than when you found it."
Directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga, No Time to Die arrives in theaters Oct. 8.
Source: THR