Despite early skepticism about his role as James Bond, Daniel Craig has etched himself in pop-culture history as a unique and memorable iteration of the character. Despite having only acted in four of the 007 films, he's now become the second longest lasting holder of the title (after Roger Moore). Craig's participation in a 25th Bond film has been a matter of endless speculation. Craig seemed definitively over the role after Spectre released, but has since admitted he would miss the opportunity to return.
Actress Naomie Harris (Moonlight) is a relatively new addition to the Bond franchise, having jumped on board in the most recent two chapters as Eve, the newest iteration of the classic character, Miss Moneypenny. Eve first appears as an MI6 field agent in Skyfall who accidentally shoots 007 during a high stakes mission. This mistake convinces her to step down for a behind-the-scenes position in the agency.
Recently, Harris was awarded the OBE (Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) by Queen Elizabeth II. In a subsequent interview with BBC, Harris assured the world that the series hasn't yet moved on from Daniel Craig.
"I think there's a very good chance that Daniel will come back. I think it's way too early to be thinking about other people at this stage... I think the fact that the last two Bonds - Spectre and Skyfall - have been the highest-grossing Bond movies of all time shows that people love him as Bond, and they desperately want him to return. And I don't think Daniel is immune to that... I think he's very aware, so I think that adds an extra level of pressure. But he has to ultimately do what feels right to him. But I know that we, as a cast, collectively want him back. I know that Barbara and Michael - our producers - desperately want him back, so I think the only person that needs persuading is Daniel."
Harris isn't wrong that Craig has been a popular iteration of 007, though it's worth pointing out that Spectre, when adjusted for inflation, is actually in 14th place of the Bond box offices. The film received decidedly mixed reviews, despite being helmed by largely the same creative team that spearheaded the critical and box office success of Skyfall. It's been only just over a year now since Spectre hit theaters, and considering the gap between many Bond films (it was four years between Quantum of Solace and Skyfall) fans shouldn't be too worried just yet that the series hasn't moved along.
What are your hopes for Bond 25? Has the Craig timeline overstayed its welcome, or does the increasingly tumultuous world need his intense 007 now more than ever? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section, and stay tuned to Screen Rant for updates on the next Bond film as they hit.
Source: BBC