Remembering when Daniel Craig vowed to "slash my wrists" over James Bond

It's been eight years since Daniel Craig's candid remarks about the legendary character of James Bond made headlines. Today, as we stroll down memory lane, let's look back at what really went down.

The Time Craig Almost Said Goodbye

As of October 2015, four films deep into his tenure as James Bond, Craig told Time Out magazine he'd “rather slash my wrists” than play the iconic character again. He echoed the sentiment, suggesting that if he ever did pick up the martini again, it'd be just for the financial gain. “If I did another Bond movie, it would only be for the money,” he confessed.

Though he admitted to working tirelessly to perfect Bond’s look, hinting at his rigorous workout regimen ahead of Spectre, he felt that the emphasis on 007’s physical appearance was quite tedious. And when asked about another go at the role? Craig simply put, “Now? I’d rather … slash my wrists.”

Craig's Stint as 007: From Criticisms to Accolades

Stepping into the shoes of Bond wasn't smooth sailing initially. When Craig was first cast as the debonair spy in 2006's Casino Royale, critics were skeptical. Some felt he lacked the suave demeanor, some even criticized him for being too blond. Fast forward to 2012, and his third film, Skyfall, shattered records, standing as the highest-grossing Bond film to date.

During his stint as Bond, Craig revealed he had a substantial influence on the film’s narrative. Speaking about his collaboration with Sam Mendes, the director of both Skyfall and Spectre, Craig shared, “The way it works is that I’d wake up in the middle of the night with an idea and write it down and send it to Sam.”

Bond Through the Ages: How Craig Stacked Up

While Craig's stance was clear, his potential retirement would have been earlier than some of his predecessors. Brosnan called it quits at 49, Moore took his last bow at 58, while Dalton hung up his tux at 45. And the impact of the role on their careers varied widely. Dalton, primarily a stage actor, later lent his voice to Toy Story 3, playing a theatrical toy hedgehog.

Regardless of these differences, Craig asserted that playing Bond transformed his career, offering him a plethora of opportunities. And when it came to any potential successors for the role? Craig's advice was as direct as it was cheeky: “Don’t be shit. You’ve got to step up. People do not make movies like this any more. This is really rare now. So don’t be shit.”

As we look back, Daniel Craig's candid comments provide an insightful look into the challenges and triumphs of playing one of cinema's most iconic characters. With time, perspectives change, and history often brings clarity. Here's to the enduring legacy of James Bond and the actors, like Craig, who've made him timeless.

(Several parts of the text in this article, including the title, were generated with the help of an AI tool.)

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