Daniel Craig knew in advance that No Time To Die would be his last Bond film, but made sure that this had no effect on his acting performance, he tells NU.nl.
Although the 53-year-old actor voluntarily says goodbye, he will miss making the films. “These are very rare films. Films of this magnitude are not often made. Producers Barbara and Michael made sure there was always a good atmosphere on set and it felt like a collaborative creative process. process, but that makes you feel all the more satisfaction when it’s successful again. I’m going to miss all of that.”
In No Time To Die Craig can be seen again with bond girl Léa Seydoux, who takes on the role of Madeleine Swann, just like in Specter . “The love between her and James Bond is the central theme in the film,” says Seydoux. “It’s the first time you’re getting a better understanding of a female character in a Bond film. Madeleine isn’t just there for James Bond’s pleasure. She’s got a personality, she’s got depth.”
For Seydoux this film was therefore more challenging than Specter . “Some scenes were very emotional. But I like love stories, so I think it’s great that James Bond is showing more of his romantic side now. He used to be a cold-hearted killer, but now you can see he’s changed and his heart opens up for Madeleine.”
‘He has a very dark, nasty nature’
It was already clear from trailers for the film that there is also a connection between Swann and villain Lyutsifer Safin, who is played by Rami Malek. “It’s a complex character,” says Malek, who didn’t look so much to previous villains in Bond films for inspiration.
“I went to the library of the greatest bad guys in movie history. I watched Hannibal Lecter (played by Anthony Hopkins, ed.) and I love what Heath Ledger did in The Dark Knight . I love Javier Bardem. He played the greatest villain of all time: Anton Chigurh in No Country for Old Men .”
No matter how bad a character is, a little charisma is always necessary, according to Malek. “But make no mistake: Safin has a very dark, nasty nature. He’s one of those people who doesn’t care what others think. It’s all about him and his agenda.”
No Time To Die can be seen in cinemas from Thursday.
