Last week Bond fans from around the world were up in arms after the Daily Mail revealed unnamed sources had told them Daniel Craig had quit as James Bond. Hours later the BBC reported that according to their own unnamed source, Craig had made no decision and was unlikely to do so for quite some time.
My general policy is to ignore such stories. However, I’ve received a number of messages by email and social media from fans concerned about Daniel Craig quitting as Bond and want to set the record straight, as far as I can at least.
The Daily Mail story has been recycled dozens of times by other media outlets while the BBC’s failed to gain much traction. Understandable really as there is not much clickbait value in “Daniel Craig undecided” however you write it.
What is particularly surprising is how much credence readers give these reports. While the Daily Mail got a number of things right about Skyfall, denied by Eon at the time, it hasn’t scored any Bond related scoops since. That is probably because Baz Bamigboye, responsible for those, now fills a different position at the paper.
Regarding this story, who do we believe? The Daily Mail doesn’t have much of a journalistic reputation, certainly it is outclassed by the BBC. But that doesn’t mean its report is wrong. Perhaps it doesn’t have the story completely right but there may be elements that are true.
What can we deduce?
Personally I’m more inclined to believe the BBC and think that Daniel Craig will make his mind up at a later date. If he’s undecided what do you think would make him change his mind?
A good script, perhaps?
If whoever writes the Bond 25 is able to deliver a knockout story then Craig would have no reason to quit. If, on the other hand, he is unhappy with it then it is easy for him to say no.
And what do we make of all those stories about the next James Bond actor?
I think that is simple. There is no smoke without fire and it seems to me to be more than likely that Barbara Broccoli et al would want to sound out potential replacements prior to finding themselves without a lead for sure. That way the casting process can go into full swing if and when required.
The moral of the story?
Use your judgment when reading stories about Daniel Craig quitting as Bond. In the end he may do exactly that, but at the moment there is also the chance that he’ll be back for Bond 25. And remember, the job of online media is to get pageviews to sell advertising. It’s not to deliver the truth.
May 23rd, 2016 at 17:29
Originally I thought we’d hear of a distribution deal and then announcement of Craig’s decision. I’m starting to think that we’ll get news of distribution rights and Craig’s return at the same time.
It would make sense that a distributor would want to know whether Craig is returning or if the distributor has the task of ushering in a new actor. If Craig stays, the rights to the future movies are more valuable than if having to take a risk on a new actor.
May 23rd, 2016 at 17:56
I Sincerely hope he won’t quit and we’ll be back…
May 23rd, 2016 at 18:11
Nah. Any distributor will take Bond if it’s offered to them on the right terms, Craig or no Craig.
May 23rd, 2016 at 21:33
David,
I just think the franchise is much more valuable with Craig doing one or two more. That affects the terms.
May 24th, 2016 at 08:21
From what I understand, in the transition to Craig, Brosnan wasn’t part of the decision making. If there is to be a new Bond now or in the future, Craig might be the last to know, even if he wishes to continue. The difference now versus then is Spectre feels like the fourth of five and the public statements from EON are of the “we’d love Daniel to continue” variety. (see my 5 film thesis here ;) )
June 8th, 2016 at 02:47
I have personally found Daniel Craig to be perhaps almost the best Bond there has been. His portrayal of Bond has taken the series to another level. I think it would be fitting for Daniel Craig to end his Bond career playing the role for the landmark 25th instalment of a Bond movie