• Daniel Craig made his debut as James Bond in the 2006 blockbuster Casino Royale.
• The 54-year-old requested producer Barbara Broccoli to develop a long-term strategy for his character.
• Daniel returned for a fifth film, 2021’s No Time To Die, despite the agreement.

Daniel Craig has discussed his character James Bond as the blond-haired, blue-eyed actor admitted that he wanted Bond to die in Casino Royale.

The 54-year-old actor, who made his debut as the suave spy in the 2006 blockbuster that served as a reboot of the long-running franchise, had not anticipated his stint to last more than one film.

After observing the film’s widespread acclaim, he requested producer Barbara Broccoli to develop a long-term strategy for his character.

While talking to an entertainment magazine he said: ‘I was driving away from the Berlin premiere of Casino Royale with Barbara Broccoli. I had genuinely thought I would do one Bond movie, then it would be over. But by then we knew we had a hit on our hands.

[embedpost slug = “/daniel-craig-received-the-same-honor-as-james-bond/”]

‘I realized the enormity of it, so I said to Barbara, “How many more? Three? Four?” She said, “Four!” I said, “OK. Then can I kill him off?” She said, “Yes.”‘

Daniel returned for a fifth film, 2021’s No Time To Die, despite the agreement, but he stated that planning for Bond’s death had to be kept secret because studio executives were opposed to killing off the renowned character.

He recalls saying, ‘I said, “This is it. I don’t want to do anymore.” If we kill Bond, we can begin again. I think Barbara thought that too.

‘But, bless them, the studio, MGM, were, like, “What are you talking about? Are you out of your mind?” There was reluctance. So we had to do it in secret, really.’

The film saw Bond killed in an explosion after electing to stay on an island after being purposefully afflicted by a biological weapon that would mean he could never again touch his lover Dr. Madeleine Swann, played by Lea Seydoux, or their kid, and Daniel believed it was the best way to bow out.

[embedpost slug = “/dave-bautista-says-daniel-craig-had-more-fun-in-knives-out-than-in-james-bond/”]