Daniel Craig says he’d rather slash his wrists than play James Bond again

By Stephanie Topacio Long October 7, 2015

With Daniel Craig’s fourth James Bond film over the span of a decade, Spectre, set to open in theaters this fall, the candid British actor isn’t afraid to discuss how ready to move on from the franchise he is. In an interview with TimeOut, Craig very graphically described how he’d rather kill himself than play the iconic spy again. “I’d rather break this glass and slash my wrists,” he said. “I’m over it at the moment.”

As adamant as his response was, Craig didn’t entirely rule out the prospect of suiting up again as 007 some day in the future. “For at least a year or two, I just don’t want to think about it,” he explained. From there, it’s anyone’s guess what will happen. If he did choose to return, though, it might not be for love of the franchise. “If I did another Bond movie, it would only be for the money,” said Craig.

At the moment, the current Bond seems happy to step aside and let another leading man take over the role. Fellow British actors Tom Hardy and Idris Elba have been mentioned as possible successors, and the conversation has been controversial at times, especially in regard to race. For Craig, though, his only concern is whether the next Bond does a good job. When asked if he cares who picks up the mantle, he said, “I don’t give a f–k. … Make it better, that’s all.”

Spectre may also be the final Bond movie for director Sam Mendes, and the franchise might do well with both a new star to bring in fresh ideas. “Every idea I’ve had for a Bond movie, I’ve stuck into this one,” shared Craig. “The Bond bank is dry.”

Spectre is set to open in theaters on Nov. 6, 2015.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Stephanie Topacio Long

Contributor

Stephanie Topacio Long is a writer and editor whose writing interests range from business to books. She also contributes to…

Entertainment

Daniel Craig reportedly offered $150 million for two more appearances as 007

sony daniel craig james bond offer

All signs seemed to point towards 2015's Spectre being Daniel Craig's last outing as James Bond, but now there's word that Sony Pictures is doing everything in its power to retain the actor's services. The studio has apparently offered Craig $150 million to remain in the role for two additional movies.

In May 2016, it was reported that Craig had turned down an offer of $100 million for two more movies as 007. Tom Hiddleston emerged as the frontrunner to inherit the role in the immediate aftermath, but it seems that Sony would rather stick with their established star.

Entertainment

Showtime CEO: ‘Purity’ won’t keep Daniel Craig from playing Bond if he wants to

james bond

There has been endless speculation on whether Daniel Craig will reprise his James Bond role again, with signs seeming to point to "unlikely" after the actor reportedly turned down a massive offer. His fate as the famed 007 also looked dubious when the actor took on a starring role in Showtime's upcoming series Purity. The role will not, however, prevent Craig from donning his Bond tux again, according to Showtime CEO David Nevins.

While speaking at the premium network's Television Critics Association summer press tour Thursday, the CEO clarified that Craig would be able to do both the 20-episode TV series and the next Bond movie -- if he wants to, reports Deadline.

Entertainment

Craig out as Bond after refusing mammoth offer, but a likely successor has emerged

After four films in service of queen and country, it seems that Craig, Daniel Craig will no longer play Bond, James Bond. According to The Daily Mail, the 48-year-old actor has turned down a monstrous, two-film deal to reprise his role as the super spy and intends to hang up his tux for good.

OK, so maybe this isn’t a huge surprise after Craig suggested that a particularly grisly form of suicide might be preferable to returning as Bond, but he has offered contradictory statements on his interest in continuing with the franchise, and actions speak louder than words. The offer he turned down would reportedly have netted him 68 million pounds, which, in terms of buying power, translates to about $100 million. Gotta love that exchange rate.