Daniel Craig on Spectre: The Enduring Battle Between Man and Machine in Spectre

By Kristina Moskalenko for the Russian FT – Vedomosti

With Spectre, the latest chapter in the James Bond saga, coming on screens October 26 the filmmakers aim to elevate the franchise beyond the typical high-octane action and spectacle. This film takes you on a thrilling ride, from the electric energy of Mexico City’s Día de los Muertos to the icy peaks of Austria, the winding streets of Rome, and the mysterious charm of Tangier. Beneath this breathtaking visual grandeur, however, lies a deeper, more thought-provoking question: In a world where technology controls intelligence and surveillance, does the world still need a man like Bond 007?

This time, Bond finds himself caught in more than just a web of global intrigue; he’s forced to navigate the complexities of human relationships. With two powerful women—Monica Bellucci’s enigmatic Lucia Sciarra and Léa Seydoux’s poised yet deadly Madeleine Swann—he grapples with espionage while confronting uncharted emotional vulnerability.

As the world gears up for the next chapter in 007’s journey, Daniel Craig stands at a critical crossroads—not only as Bond but also in his own personal reflection on the role.

“Did I say I’d rather slit my wrists? No one actually read the full interview.”

Kristina Moskalenko: Before we delve into Spectre, let’s address the question on everyone’s mind. In an interview with Time Out, you stated you’d rather slit your wrists than play Bond again. Were you being serious?

Daniel Craig: The problem with today’s media is that context often gets lost, because we all need a quote for traffic. That phrase was taken out of my interview, blown out of proportion, and spread everywhere without its real meaning. What I actually said was that, at that moment—just two days after we finished filming—I couldn’t even think about doing another Bond movie. It had been an exhausting eight months, both physically and mentally.

I tend to speak honestly, sometimes with a bit of exaggeration. But all I meant was that after such a demanding job, you need time to reset. Unfortunately, the internet loves to oversimplify things.

Kristina Moskalenko: And how do you feel now? Will you play Bond again? Also, how do you feel about all the talk about the NEXT Bond, even before this Bond has been released? Does that kind of speculation bother you?

Daniel Craig: At this moment, I truly don’t know. The speculation doesn’t trouble me, though. If I do step aside, I only hope that whoever inherits the role understands its weight and responsibility.

“I called Sam Mendes four or five times a day until he said yes.”

Kristina Moskalenko: You played a significant role in bringing Sam Mendes back to direct Spectre, despite his initial reluctance. What convinced him?

Daniel Craig: Sheer persistence (laughs). I called him incessantly—four or five times a day. After Skyfall, Sam was completely spent. A Bond film is an all-consuming endeavor, and he was reluctant to embark on another immediately.

At one point, the studio considered shooting two Bond films back-to-back. That would have been impossible. However, when production was postponed for nearly a year, Sam had time to reflect. He thrives on deep, character-driven storytelling, and ultimately, he recognized that Spectre offered a compelling evolution for Bond.

We assembled an extraordinary team—cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema, composer Thomas Newman, production designer Dennis Gassner. My role as a producer wasn’t just a formality; it was about ensuring that we had the finest talent in the industry.

“Why is Monica Bellucci’s age even a discussion?”

Kristina Moskalenko: You managed to bring Monica Bellucci onboard for the role of Bond’s woman—or, rather, Lady Bond. Her casting has sparked a lot of conversation. Do you see this as a step forward for your character? And did you hope her role would make a statement in the ongoing Hollywood discussions about age and sexism?

Daniel Craig: Honestly, I don’t understand why Monica’s age is such a big deal. To me, there shouldn’t be any issue with it. But it’s what everyone seems to focus on. Monica is an amazing actress, and we had a fantastic time working together. Yes, there’s a movement in Hollywood fighting sexism, and we all know there are fewer roles for older women compared to men, but we didn’t intend to make some grand statement about it. It was just a role, and Monica Bellucci was the perfect person to bring it to life.

Kristina Moskalenko: Monica herself has said she’s proud of the role because it shows women can still be beautiful and desirable at 50.

Daniel Craig: Monica said it much more eloquently than I ever could!

Kristina Moskalenko: Ok, so Monica’s role is a fresh addition to the iconic Bond women. But what did you bring to the character of Bond himself?

Daniel Craig: This isn’t for me to decide. But from the very beginning, I wanted to approach Bond’s character with respect while still keeping him human. That’s how I always approach roles. Bond’s essence lies in how he constantly faces challenges. For me, the real focus was showing how those challenges affect him, and how he handles them—emotionally as well. I’m not even sure how else I could play him. Bond and I are polar opposites. Playing him is a job, but one I find endlessly interesting. To really get into character on set, I have to focus. I pop my headphones in and listen to whatever music feels right. Right now, The Smiths have been doing the job.

“Bond versus the machines: the real battle of Spectre.”

Kristina Moskalenko: Can we say Bond has evolved? That 007: Spectre is not just the conclusion of a 50-year legacy, but the dawn of a new era? After all Bond refuses to kill his enemy and walks away with a woman—what does that say about his transformation?

Daniel Craig: Sam [Mendes] sets the stage brilliantly with the Dead or Alive theme—it signals an ending but also a fresh start. He mixes light and dark in a way that keeps you on edge: there’s humor, but also a menacing tone, and at its heart, it’s a love story. So when Bond walks off with Dr. Madeleine Swann at the end, we definitely wanted to make a statement!

Kristina Moskalenko: And what about the fact that Bond’s superiors want to shut down the 00 program? Is that a statement too? A hidden message? Are you setting the audience up for the idea that Bond may be saying goodbye for good?

Daniel Craig: Oh, there’s a lot of hidden messages in this one! But the biggest is about surveillance—the rise of total control. Bond’s not having it. He believes real agents, out in the field, engaging with people, understanding cultures, and doing what’s necessary to protect the world, are way more effective. He’s totally against drones and the tech takeover. The 00 program’s shutdown isn’t just about bureaucracy; it’s the clash between humanity and technology. And, by the way, there’s not much tech in this film at all. It’s all about the human element.

“Training, broken noses, and three weeks for one fight scene.”

Kristina Moskalenko: Hold on a moment. But Bond’s been injected with a device that tracks his every move, anywhere on the planet!

Daniel Craig: In real life that’d be an absolute violation! But Bond signed up for it long ago, so he’s stuck with it.

Kristina Moskalenko: I see. So at some point in the film you face a professional wrestler Dave Bautista, who plays Hanks, a brutal henchman working for your main villain, Oberhauser. He said the fight scenes were intense and that he wasn’t always sure he’d win. What kind of physical preparation does a Bond fight demand?

Daniel Craig: I’ve been in training for years. It’s part of my routine—I train every single day. Why? Because I want to do as many stunts as possible myself. That fight in the train with Dave? We were in almost every shot. We filmed it for three weeks… just that one scene! To pull that off, you’ve got to be in top shape: work out, eat right, and absolutely no drinking. Well… I tried to keep it together till the weekend (laughs).

Kristina Moskalenko: Bautista even joked, “Craig is the kind of guy who used to hang out in bars and get into fights there.”

Daniel Craig: Yeah, I broke his nose…

“No, the Bonds don’t have a secret club in Monaco.”

Kristina Moskalenko: That’s rough. And not too glamorous. Do you ever meet with other Bonds?

Daniel Craig: Oh, absolutely! We all cruise around Monaco together! Just kidding! I’m actually a bit acquainted with Pierce Brosnan, but we’re like two opposing forces—we just can’t exist in the same room for too long. When I walk in, he’s out of there! I’m all about connecting with people, but I never bring up Bond. We’re just normal guys. Roger Moore, on the other hand, is a fan of my Bond, and I’m a massive fan of his! But it feels a bit weird to walk up to him and say, “Oh, I’m a huge fan of your Bond!” Even though I did tell him that. Here’s the thing: every new Bond has to be more captivating than the last one—otherwise, what’s the point? Skyfall really raised the stakes, and it wasn’t easy to top that, but I think we pulled it off.

What’s Next for Bond?

With Spectre blending humour, romance, and drama, the film sets the stage for a potential shift in the franchise. In its closing moments, Bond walks away with Dr. Madeleine Swann (Léa Seydoux), choosing love over duty—a rare moment of vulnerability for the character.

“It’s a love story at its core,” Bond’s crowd pleasing reveals. “We wanted to make a statement about who Bond is now, and where he might go next.”

Whether Spectre marks the end of an era or the beginning of a new chapter, one thing is certain: Bond remains a vital part of British culture, adapting to modern challenges while forever staying true to his roots.

Is the digital age ready to retire 007, or does Bond still have a place in the 21st century? Share your thoughts below!

Originally published at Vedomosti (FT/WSJ Franchise in Russia): https://www.vedomosti.ru/lifestyle/characters/2015/11/03/615328-deniel-kreig-eto-protivostoyanii-cheloveka-tehnologii