Daniel Craig denied he would ever return as world’s greatest spy, insisting he would “rather slash his wrists”. However in a dramatic u-turn, the A-list actor will reprise the iconic role of 007 one last time. The film, with the working title Bond 25 – scheduled for release on April 8, 2020 – is slated to be Daniel Craig’s fifth and final film for the popular franchise.
Bond 25 – what we know so far:
Daniel Craig suggested enlisting Killing Eve creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge for the screenplay.
Oscar winner and Bohemian Rhapsody star Rami Malek, who will play the villain in the film scheduled for release on April 8 next year.
Also joining the cast are Dali Benssalah, Lashana Lynch, Ana De Armas as Paloma, David Dencik and Billy Magnussen.
Ralph Fiennes (M), Léa Seydoux (Dr Madeleine Swann), Ben Whishaw (Q), Rory Kinnear (Bill Tanner) and Jeffrey Wright (Felix Leiter) will all return for Bond 25.
In Bond 25, the agent has left active service and is enjoying a tranquil life in Jamaica but his peace is short-lived when his old friend Felix Leiter arrives asking for help.
Casino Royale plot:
Casino Royale was Daniel Craig’s first film as MI6 agent James Bond.
The 2006 film was the third screen adaptation of Ian Fleming’s 1953 novel of the same name.
Casino Royale gains his licence to kill and status as a 00 agent by assassinating the traitorous MI6 section chief Dryden and his contact.
Casino Royale received an overwhelmingly positive critical response, with reviewers praising Daniel Craig’s reinvention of 007 and the film’s departure from the tropes of previous Bond films.
Quantum of Solace plot:
Released in 2008, Quantum of Solace was the twenty-second in the James Bond series.
The film sees Bond seek revenge for the death of his lover and is assisted a mysterious woman plotting revenge for the murder of her own family.
The trail eventually leads them to wealthy businessman Dominic Greene, who intends to stage a coup in Bolivia to seize control of the country’s water supply.
Quantum of Solace however was not as well received as its predecessor.
Some attributed this to the Hollywood Writers’ Strike, which meant Daniel Craig had to write some sections of Quantum of Solace himself.
Skyfall plot:
Skyfall is Daniel Craig’s third film as as the fictional MI6 agent James Bond and features Javier Bardem playing the villain.
It was directed by Sam Mendes and features the theme song Skyfall, written and performed by Adele.
The release coincided with the 50th anniversary of the series, which began with Dr. No in 1962.
film won several accolades, including two Academy Awards, two BAFTA Awards and two Grammy Awards.
Spectre plot:
Spectre is the fourth film to feature Daniel Craig as Bond, and the second to be directed by Sam Mendes.
The story sees Bond pitted against the global criminal organisation Spectre and their leader Ernst Stavro Blofeld, played by Christoph Waltz.
The film marks Spectre and Blofeld’s first appearance in an Eon Productions film since 1971’s Diamonds Are Forever, although a character resembling Blofeld had previously appeared in the 1981 film, For Your Eyes Only.