Washington [US], December 2: Actor Daniel Craig recently discussed the challenges he faced while portraying the iconic MI6 agent, James Bond, across five films, including his concerns about societal expectations of masculinity. Reflecting on his 15-year tenure as the suave spy, Craig admitted that the construct of masculinity was one of his “biggest reservations” about stepping into the role.
“One of my biggest reservations about playing Bond would be the construct of masculinity,” Craig revealed during a recent event promoting his latest film Queer by Luca Guadagnino. He added, “It was often very laughable, but you can’t mock it and expect it to work. You have to buy into it.”
Craig first portrayed Bond in the 2006 hit Casino Royale and continued to play the British secret agent in Quantum of Solace (2008), Skyfall (2012), Spectre (2015), and No Time to Die (2021). While his portrayal of the legendary spy marked a defining moment in his career, Craig has been open about his decision to step away from the franchise. He has consistently expressed no regrets about his departure, with his final Bond film ending in a poignant sacrifice for the character.
However, Craig also acknowledged that the concept of masculinity, central to his Bond role, often felt limiting. He explained the societal norms surrounding male behavior as a challenge: “We’re all vulnerable. It doesn’t matter who you are. It doesn’t matter how tough you are, everybody’s vulnerable,” he said. “But it’s how boys are brought up, how men are expected to behave, how someone like Burroughs was expected to behave.”
This theme of vulnerability is something Craig has explored in his recent work, particularly in his role in Queer, where he plays Lee, an American expatriate living in 1950s Mexico City. The film, based on William S. Burroughs’ novella, delves into themes of human vulnerability, desire, and emotional complexity. Craig noted that he couldn’t have taken on such a role during his Bond years. “Listen, Bond is nearly 20 years of my life. When I took it on I was one person. I’m now a completely different person,” he reflected. “But I couldn’t have done this movie when I was doing Bond. It would’ve felt kind of, ‘Why? What are you trying to prove?'”
Looking back on his Bond career, Craig expressed a sense of liberation post-Bond. Having achieved global superstardom through the role, he now enjoys the freedom to explore projects outside the shadow of 007. He also noted how his newfound fame came at the cost of the “freedom” he once had as a more semi-anonymous actor before the Bond films launched him to international recognition.
In Queer, Craig plays a character dealing with personal isolation and romantic turmoil, a stark contrast to his action-packed portrayal of Bond. Set against the backdrop of Mexico City’s vibrant yet complex society, the film explores themes of identity, desire, and emotional turmoil—showcasing Craig’s range as an actor beyond the iconic role that defined much of his career.