Actor Daniel Craig recently talked about one of his main concerns while playing the iconic MI6 agent, James Bond, across five films. Reflecting on his 15-year tenure as the suave detective, Daniel revealed that societal expectations associated with masculinity were one of his “biggest reservations” about stepping into the role. deadline(Also Read: Daniel Craig breaks silence on next James Bond, hints about his replacement as 007: ‘He could be…’)
Daniel Craig’s ‘biggest objection’ to playing James Bond
“I would say one of my biggest doubts about the game [Bond] It would be the construction of masculinity,” Daniel said during a recent event promoting his latest film Queer by Luca Guadagnino. “It was often very ridiculous, but you can’t make fun of it and expect that Will Work. You have to buy it,” he said.
Daniel also noted that his understanding of masculinity, which was essential to playing Bond, felt limited at times. He explained how societal norms associated with male behavior were a challenge, “We are all insecure. It doesn’t matter who you are. It doesn’t matter how tough you are, everyone is insecure,” he said, “But this is how boys are raised, how men are expected to behave, how someone like Burroughs is expected to behave.”
On redemption after James Bond
This vulnerability is something Daniel has explored in his recent work, particularly in his role in Queer, where he plays Lee, an American expatriate living in 1950s Mexico City.
Based on the novel by William S. Burroughs, the film highlights themes of human vulnerability and desire. Daniel also said that he could never have played such a role during his time as Bond.
“Hear, [Bond] That’s almost 20 years of my life. When I adopted it, I was a person. I am a completely different person now,” he adds, “but when I was doing Bond I couldn’t do this film. You might have felt like, ‘Why?’ What are you trying to prove?'”
Reflecting on his Bond career, Daniels also shared the sense of liberation he felt after Bond. Having become a global superstar through this role, he now has the freedom to work on projects outside of 007’s shadow.
According to the publication, he also talked about losing his “freedom” as a semi-anonymous actor before achieving international fame with the Bond films. Daniel, who first played James Bond in the 2006 hit Casino Royale, has appeared as the British secret agent in Quantum of Solace (2008), Skyfall (2012), Specter (2015) and No Time to Die (2021) Given.
While his portrayal of the great spy became a defining moment in his career, the actor has been very vocal about his decision to step away from the franchise.
Daniels has repeatedly expressed that he has no regrets about stepping away from the role, with the final installment of his Bond story ending with a poignant sacrifice for his character. In Queer, he plays a character struggling with personal alienation and romantic turmoil, a stark contrast to his action-packed portrayal of Bond.
Set in the vibrant but challenging society of Mexico City, the film also explores themes of identity, desire, and emotional turmoil.
