The future of theJames Bondfranchise is a bit uncertain right now, but we can be certain it will continue. Currently,Daniel Craigis still the man playing007until he officially declares that he won’t be back for the next installment. That being the case, he just hit a major milestone today, becoming the second longest-serving actor to playJames Bondin the history of the franchise.
According toNME,Daniel Craighas now been playingJames Bondfor 4,147 days. That puts him just ahead ofPierce Brosnan, who played 007 in four movies, which spanned a grand total of 4,146 days.Craigfirst played the iconic spy in 2006’sCasino Royale, which served as a total reboot of the franchise and is considered by many to be one of the bestJames Bondmovies ever made. The 48-year-old actor also has the distinction of starring in the onlyBondmovie to ever gross more than $1 billion at the box office with 2012’sSkyfall. His most recent outing wasSpectre, which wasn’t quite as well-received by fans and critics, but still brought in $880 million at the box office.
There are no franchises that can match that ofJames Bondin terms of longevity and ability to adapt from decade-to-decade. A lot of that has to do with the fact that they have been able to recast the role and refocus the movies to suit the time that they are in. TheDaniel Craigera has been quite gritty and serious, while theRoger Mooreera was a bit more silly and didn’t take itself so seriously. ShouldDaniel Craigultimately decided that he doesn’t want to return forJames Bond 25, the series could be due for another reinvention.
At the moment, Sony and MGM still really wantDaniel Craigto return for what would be the25th James Bond movie. He is still on the fence and things have been very uncertain ever sinceSpectrecame out. At one point, the actor said he would rather “slash his wrists” than play 007 again, but last year he walked back those statements, saying he would miss playing the part if he decides to leave. Assuming he does decide to move on, names that have been thrown around to replace him includeMichael Fassbender,Aidan Turner,Tom Hiddleston,Idris ElbaandTom Hardy, who suggested he would do aJames Bondmovie ifChristopher Nolandirected it. Whoever plays the part next will have some very big shoes to fill.
Interestingly enough, the original big screen 007Sean Connery, who played the role six times (and one time unofficially inNever Say Never Againfor a rival studio), only held the mantle ofJames Bondfor 3,049 days. That was mostly due to the fact that the movies were getting made much more quickly in those days. No matter who is playing the role,James Bond 25is going to need to find a new director, becauseSam Mendeshas said he won’t be returning. Recently,John WickandJohn Wick: Chapter 2directorChad Stahelskiexpressed interest in taking on the franchise, so maybe he can try and coaxDaniel Craigback. You can check out the full list ofJames Bondactors and how long they held the role for yourself below.
1.Roger Moore- 5,118 days
2.Daniel Craig- 4,147 days
3.Pierce Brosnan- 4,146 days
4.Sean Connery- 3,049 days
5.Timothy Dalton- 2,863 days
6.George Lazenby- 875 days
