Daniel Craig has backtracked on his hilariously blunt response to speculation about his James Bond replacement.
The 56-year-old had the longest continuous reign as the lead in the movie franchise based on the novels first released by Ian Fleming in 1953.
He starred in five films, starting with Casino Royale in 2006, which he followed up with 2008’s Quantum of Solace, which he recently said “didn’t quite work”, Skyfall (2012), Spectre (2015) and No Time To Die in 2021.
Since he announced his retirement from the franchise, a number of actors have been rumoured to replace him as the British spy, including Idris Elba, Tom Hardy and Kraven the Hunter actor Aaron-Taylor Johnson, who is the current favourite.
Last month, Craig was asked by Variety: “If you were to pass the James Bond torch, who would you love to see play him?” to which he replied: “I don’t care.”
However, addressing this comment in an interview with The Sunday Times, Craig said: “But of course I care! I keep saying I don’t, because people ask me all the time and I’m an ornery, grumpy old man, so I say I don’t give a s***.
“But I care about it deeply – deeply. I care what the franchise does, because I love Barbara [Broccoli] and Michael [G Wilson, the producers]. But it’s not my decision or problem. I wish them luck.”
Taylor-Johnson, 33, was first rumoured for the role in January 2023 after it was reported that producer Barbara Broccoli had been left impressed by a screen test with the actor, whose credits include Kick-Ass, Bullet Train and Nowhere Boy.
Former Bond stars including Pierce Brosnan and George Lazenby have all offered their support for the Nowhere Boy actor, saying they believe he could be the right candidate.
Craig is currently promoting his new movie Queer, from Challengers and Call Me By Your Name director, Luca Guadagnino.
The actor said in the same interview he “couldn’t” have played a role like that of the gay protagonist in the new film during his 15-year run as James Bond because it would have looked “reactionary”.
