It's been three years since Daniel Craig last played 007
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It seems even Daniel Craig has no insight into who the next James Bond will be.
Known as one of the most popular actors to take on the legendary role of 007, Craig appeared in five Bond films over the last two decades, including Casino Royale (2006), Quantum of Solace (2008), Skyfall (2012), Spectre (2015), and his final film, No Time To Die (2021).
Since he announced that No Time To Die would be his last Bond outing, speculation about his replacement has been non-stop, with actors like Idris Elba, Tom Hardy, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson rumored as possible choices.
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While no clear details about the new Bond or the next film have emerged, Craig recently shared his thoughts on who might be the right fit for the iconic role.
During a promo for his latest movie Queer alongside co-star Drew Starkey, Craig was asked by Variety: "If you were to pass the James Bond torch, who would you love to see play him?"
His response? A straightforward: "I don't care."
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Before anyone gets too fired up, Craig was laughing as he responded, showing it was all in good humor.
The actor has been open in the past about having no second thoughts on stepping away from the role.
"I had an incredibly fortunate 17 years of my life making this," Craig told the BBC in 2022.
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"I literally want to spend the next 20 years of my life trying to unhook it all and try and put it into a place because it was incredible."
"I left it where I wanted it to be," he added. "And that I was given the chance to do that with the last movie."
Although the next James Bond hasn’t been cast, casting directors and producers attached to the franchise have hinted at the qualities they’re seeking—and avoiding—in the new Bond.
In a 2023 interview with the Radio Times, casting director Debbie McWilliams shared that younger actors were considered initially but were ultimately ruled out.
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"We did look at a lot of younger actors, and I just don't think they had the gravitas," she mentioned.
"They didn't have the experience, they didn't have the mental capacity to take it on, because it's not just the part they're taking on, it's a massive responsibility."
Producer Barbara Broccoli also shared insights on what the new Bond needs to bring to the role, pointing out that the actor can’t be too young, but also not too old for the part.
"When we cast Bond, it's a 10-, 12-year commitment," Broccoli shared with Variety in 2022.
"So he's probably thinking, 'Do I really want that thing?' Not everybody wants to do that. It was hard enough getting [Daniel Craig to do it]."