No Time to Die actress Léa Seydoux says Daniel Craig's James Bond legacy is that he made the iconic spy a feminist. The long-awaited 25th installment in the James Bond franchise, No Time to Die, finally arrives in North American theaters this weekend after making its international debut one week ago. Directed by Cary Fukunaga, the film finds Craig's Bond settling into retirement alongside his Spectre love Madeleine Swann (Seydoux). However, when a secret from her past threatens to upend their peace, coupled with the arrival of a dastardly new villain (Rami Malek's Safin), Bond gets pulled back into the spy game.
No Time to Die is especially notable because it's Craig's final time playing James Bond. Though the actor signaled he was just about finished with the role after 2015's Spectre, he returned for this last adventure, which, by most accounts, is a satisfying, emotional sendoff. Per Craig's own wishes, No Time to Die continues to shake up the typical Bond mythology, whether it be by offering a more introspective view of his life or by treating the women around him with a bit more respect.
On the latter front, Seydoux estimates that will be Craig's lasting impact on the role. Speaking to The AV Club about No Time to Die, Seydoux said that Craig turned a character who is a "misogynist into a feminist, which is something very important." She also credited Craig with giving the Bond franchise more complexity and artistry, adding, "And now they have become very interesting films."
Much has been written about the evolution of Bond girls during Craig's tenure, starting from the very beginning with Casino Royale and Eva Green's memorable turn as Vesper Lynd. Her continuing impact on Bond's arc is a first for the franchise, and Madeleine's return after Spectre is also something of an oddity. Throw in No Time to Die's new 007, Nomi (Lashana Lynch), and standout CIA agent Paloma (Ana de Armas), and Craig's Bond era is coming to a close with a refreshing, feminist take for the franchise.
One has to hope that Seydoux is right, and that James Bond will continue to hold this updated outlook. The future of the franchise is unclear right now, with the next Bond not likely to be announced until well into 2022. As feminist as Craig has made the character, though, fans shouldn't expect the next iteration to be played by a woman. Craig shared his opinion on a female Bond recently, stating he believes there should be better original roles for actresses. It's an understandable view, and one that also seems to be held by others in the franchise. Nevertheless, Craig has changed James Bond greatly, and hopefully for the better.
Source: The AV Club
