Daniel Craig Says His Bond Isn’t As ‘Sexist And Misogynistic’ As Those Other Guys

'Skyfall' Germany Premiere
Getty Image

Daniel Craig did a profile with Esquire magazine to promote Spectre and the massive turtleneck. He seems oddly at ease with this journalist, whereas he generally appears a crotchety sort. Craig details how Skyfall was once an unfathomable albatross around his neck, as well as those of the filmmakers. Once they shed the expectations of that film, he says, Spectre came to fruition. Craig says this film is 10 times the scope of the first, 10 times the stunts, 10 times the pretty women, and hopefully 10 times the success. Here’s the burning question — will Craig do another Bond movie?

“I don’t know. I really don’t know. Honestly. I’m not trying to be coy. At the moment I can’t even conceive it. At this moment, no. I have a life and I’ve got to get on with it a bit.”

Craig pauses for a moment to admit James Bond is a miserable person to hang out with, but he’s not about to judge his own character. He also doesn’t feel the need to defend Bond’s violent, maladjusted ways, all in the name of masculinity. Craig feels pretty sorry for Bond, even though he’s a huge misogynist:

“He’s very f*cking lonely. There’s a great sadness. He’s f*cking these beautiful women but then they leave and it’s … sad. And as a man gets older it’s not a good look. It might be a nice fantasy – that’s debatable – but the reality, after a couple of months … Hopefully. My Bond is not as sexist and misogynistic as [earlier incarnations]. The world has changed. I am certainly not that person. But he is, and so what does that mean? It means you cast great actresses and make the parts as good as you can for the women in the movies.”

Craig laments how Spectre was the first Bond movie where he was able to relax and think, “F*ck it. I’m James Bond, for f*ck’s sake.” It only took him four movies to feel comfortable, but it’s hard to blame the guy for his apprehension. The press and general public dogged him hard when he was announced for Casino Royale. Then he kept injuring himself on set, which only led to jokes. Fortunately, that movie proved Craig was worthy of carrying the Bond martini. If only people could some day feel that way about Idris Elba, amirite?

(Via Esquire)

×