Daniel Craig in Bond farewell at glittering premiere
DANIEL CRAIG described the No Time To Die premiere as an occasion to celebrate as he bids farewell to his career-defining role as James Bond.
The 53-year-old has played secret agent 007 in five movies, beginning with 2006’s Casino Royale, but is finally stepping back from the part.
He walked a rainswept red carpet at the Royal Albert Hall premiere in London wearing a dark pink suede dinner jacket over a white shirt and black bow tie.
Craig told the PA news agency: “It’s been a bittersweet couple of years, so one has to keep things in perspective. The decision to leave is still there, I’m just glad that we’ve got a chance to celebrate tonight and have a premiere. That seemed like such a far away thing for a while.”
The star said he does not take the secret agent home with him – because partner Rachel Weisz would not allow it.
He said: “I don’t go home with the character, I’m not James Bond at home. I’m not allowed to be. No-one would put up with it.”
On his advice for his successor, Craig said: “Just make it your own, be brilliant. Take it somewhere wonderful.”
Craig also told of his delight at the film finally making it to cinemas following multiple pandemic-enforced delays, saying: “Bond movies are to be seen in the cinema and this one especially. It’s spectacular.”
Producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson also braved the rain and confirmed the hunt for the next 007 had not yet begun.
Actors tipped to replace Craig include Venom star Tom Hardy and Bridgerton’s Rege-Jean Page.
The Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge made a rare joint appearance at the premiere.
The film will be released in UK cinemas tomorrow.