'I Wasn't Coming Back': Daniel Craig's emotional exit from Bond in 'No Time To Die'

As the old saying goes, all good things must come to an end. And for Daniel Craig, that end came with an emotionally satisfying full circle in 'No Time To Die', his final outing as James Bond. Released two years ago, the film and its star continue to capture our collective imagination, with the actor's raw honesty and remarkable portrayal leaving an indelible mark on the iconic franchise.

Craig's exit wasn't an ordinary farewell. The actor told Total Film, "I thought I probably was physically not capable of doing another," underscoring the physical and mental toll that filming 'Spectre', the 24th Bond film, had taken on him. Such a candid admission from the then 53-year-old actor added a layer of respect and admiration for his unwavering commitment to the role.

A Respected Send-off

Unlike his predecessors, Sean Connery and George Lazenby, who left the franchise with little to no public announcement, Craig's departure was turned into a celebration of his tenure, a traditional send-off in 'No Time To Die'. "In terms of closing the story, the circle is complete now. It feels emotionally satisfying," he reflected.

Phoebe Waller-Bridge, The Secret Weapon

Craig's influence on 'No Time To Die' extended beyond his on-screen presence. The actor was instrumental in bringing 'Fleabag' sensation Phoebe Waller-Bridge on board for late-stage script revisions, with a particular focus on enriching Ana De Armas' character Paloma. "What we wanted to do was... not ridicule him. It’s sharing in the fun with the audience," Craig expressed his vision. The outcome was a Bond narrative where the character's relevance is questioned, a daring yet necessary move for a franchise in its seventh decade.

Directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga and featuring an all-star cast that included Rami Malek, Lashana Lynch, Naomie Harris, Lea Seydoux, Ana De Armas, and Ralph Fiennes, 'No Time To Die' premiered in October 2021. It served as a fond farewell and a fitting tribute to Craig's James Bond, a chapter of cinema history that will always be remembered for its emotional resonance and unforgettable performances.

As reported by Gizmodo in July 2021, the Total Film interview with Craig offered a broader perspective on the making of 'No Time To Die', chronicling his struggles, triumphs, and the completion of an iconic journey.

Several parts of the text in this article, including the title, were generated with the help of an AI tool.