Actor Daniel Craig recently spoke about one of his main concerns while portraying legendary MI6 agent James Bond in five films. As Daniel reflected on his 15-year tenure as the suave spy, he revealed that societal expectations associated with masculinity were among his “biggest reservations” about taking on the role, according to Deadline. (Also read: Daniel Craig breaks his silence on the next James Bond and drops a hint about his replacement as 007: ‘He could be…’)

Daniel Craig’s “biggest reservations” about playing James Bond

“I would say one of my biggest reservations about playing (Bond) would be the construct of masculinity,” Daniel said at a recent event promoting his latest film Queer by Luca Guadagnino. “It was often very ridiculous, but you can’t make fun of it and expect it to work. You have to embrace it,” he added.

Daniel also noted that his understanding of masculinity, which was essential to the role of Bond, sometimes felt limiting. He explained that societal norms around male behavior are a challenge: “We are all vulnerable. It doesn’t matter who you are. It doesn’t matter how tough you are, everyone is vulnerable,” he said, adding, “But it’s how boys are raised, how men are supposed to behave, how someone like Burroughs is supposed to behave.”

About liberation after James Bond

Daniel has explored this vulnerability in his recent work, particularly in his role in Queer, where he plays Lee, an American expatriate living in 1950s Mexico City.

Based on the novella by William S. Burroughs, the film explores themes of human vulnerability and desire. Daniel also noted that he would never have been able to take on such a role during his time as Bond.

“Listen, (Bond) is almost 20 years of my life. When I accepted it, I was a person. Now I’m a completely different person,” he explained, adding, “But I couldn’t have done that movie.” When I did “Bond,” I felt like, “Why? What are you trying to prove?”

While reflecting on his Bond career, Daniel also shared the feeling of liberation he feels post-Bond. Having become a global superstar through this role, he now enjoys the freedom to take on projects outside of 007’s shadow.

According to the publication, he also spoke about losing the “freedom” he had as a semi-anonymous actor before the Bond films propelled him to international fame. Daniel, who first portrayed James Bond in the 2006 hit film Casino Royale, went on to star as a British secret agent in Quantum of Solace (2008), Skyfall (2012), Specter (2015) and No Time to Die. (2021).

While his portrayal of the legendary spy became a defining moment in his career, the actor was very vocal about his decision to part ways with the film series.

Daniel has repeatedly expressed that he has no regrets about leaving the role, with the final part of his Bond story ending with a poignant sacrifice for his character. In “Queer,” he plays a character struggling with personal isolation and romantic turmoil – a stark contrast to his action-packed portrayal of Bond.

Set against the backdrop of Mexico City’s vibrant but challenging society, the film also explores themes of identity, desire and emotional turmoil.