Daniel Craig reveals the Darkside of Being James Bond

We are all too familiar with James Bond, the gun-toting, tech- savvy, womanizing macho MI 6 spy codenamed “007”. The sleek tuxedos, high speed chases and explosive scenes will have us wonder, what could go wrong? Daniel Craig wasn’t an obscure name before he took to the role of 007 in the 2006 Bond film, Casino Royale. Following which, he secured the role of 007 in its later series: Quantum of Solace (2008), Skyfall (2012), Spectre (2015) and No Time To Die (2021).

Trauma of Sudden Fame

His role as Bond shot him to instant fame for the actor, but it also came at a cost. In a recent documentary, the actor is heard talking about the negative side of being suddenly famous, and how it impacted his physical and psychological health. He says, “I used to lock myself in and close the curtains, I was in a cloud cuckoo land. I was physically and mentally under siege.” It was at a time when his second Bond film, Quantum of Solace (2008) was receiving a lot of negative flak and his suitability as 007 was being questioned.

‘Wolverine’ as the Unlikely Friend

In an interview the actor expressed the discomfort he was facing, “My personal life was affected by being that famous all of a sudden.” And in a time when Bond needed a little help, the Australian wolverine did not shy away. Craig says, “It was Hugh Jackman who helped me to come to terms with it and appreciate it.”

Overcoming Obstacles

In the past a lot of great actors had worn the Bond tuxedo: from Roger Moore, Sean Connery to Pierce Brosnan, we could only imagine what it would be like for Craig to fill their shoes. The task itself is hugely daunting, but we may find comfort by seeing that Craig has successfully pulled through as the new 007. His fifth and the latest Bond film of the series is expected to appear on the big screen by the later part of September, 2021.