When it comes to iconic roles in cinema, few are as coveted as that of James Bond. The transition from Pierce Brosnan to Daniel Craig was a moment filled with both anticipation and skepticism. Craig, initially hesitant about taking on such a monumental role, found encouragement from an unexpected source during a pivotal moment in his career.
The Moment Daniel Craig Nearly Walked Away from James Bond
Despite the allure of playing the suave secret agent, Daniel Craig was not immediately convinced he should be the next James Bond. During the BAFTA: A Life in Pictures event, Craig shared his initial reservations about accepting the role that would eventually define part of his acting legacy.
“I just said I can’t. I mean, I think you’ve got the wrong guy. Thank you, flattering, but I think you’ve got the wrong guy.”
This uncertainty was present despite the confidence of producer Barbara Broccoli, who was firmly convinced Craig was the right choice. Craig recounted how Broccoli had her mind made up even before he had fully considered the role. His friends also played a crucial role in swaying his decision by helping him outline the pros and cons of becoming 007.
“He said ‘you’re gonna just regret this for the rest of your life if you don’t do this.'”
Spielberg’s Cinematic Push Towards 007
While filming the historical drama Munich, directed by Steven Spielberg, Craig faced his moment of truth. The film, which centers around the aftermath of the Munich massacre at the 1972 Summer Olympics, also featured Eric Bana alongside Craig. It was during this intense filming period that Craig was offered the role of James Bond.
Spielberg, known for his influential voice in Hollywood, took a unique approach to encourage Craig. In an interview with Vanity Fair, Eric Bana shared a memorable incident from the set.
“There’s a scene in Munich where Daniel and I are storming a private villa in the middle of the night… Steven got a Bluetooth speaker out and on ‘Action!’ he played the Bond theme during the take.”
The unexpected soundtrack left Craig flustered but underscored Spielberg’s point: Craig was meant to be Bond.
Craig’s reaction to this unconventional persuasion was a mix of surprise and humor.
“You b*stard! What are you doing?!”
he exclaimed after Spielberg’s musical intervention, highlighting the light-hearted yet pointed nature of Spielberg’s support.
Legacy of Daniel Craig’s James Bond
Daniel Craig’s tenure as James Bond began with Casino Royale in 2006 and culminated with No Time to Die in 2021. His portrayal brought a rugged charm and physicality that revitalized the character. Notably, Skyfall, one of Craig’s Bond films, became the highest-grossing James Bond film ever, earning over $1.1 billion globally and receiving widespread acclaim.
Craig’s journey as Bond, marked initially by doubt and hesitation, illustrates the profound impact that supportive peers and mentors can have on an actor’s career decisions. Spielberg’s playful yet impactful encouragement on the set of Munich may have been one of the pivotal moments that led Craig to embrace the role of a lifetime.
Fans of Daniel Craig’s portrayal of James Bond can revisit his performances in Casino Royale on Paramount+ via Showtime and other Bond films available on Prime Video, celebrating a casting choice that nearly didn’t happen but now remains unforgettable in the annals of film history.