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Producer says Daniel Craig's tenure may end when it peaks

JamesPageJamesPage Administrator, Moderator, Director
edited August 2012 in Bond Movies Posts: 1,380
It wasn't long ago that the James Bond producers were <a href="http://www.mi6-hq.com/sections/articles/bond_23_dec18_wilson_on_craig.php3?id=03036">publicly saying how great it would be if Daniel Craig would break records and make the most 007 movies of any actor</a>, and some years since the trade press reported that he had <a href="http://www.mi6-hq.com/sections/articles/craig_extends_contract.php3">extended his contract to play James Bond</a> for improved terms on his original (and traditional) "three films and an option for a fourth".

Now, producer Michael G. Wilson has told a culture industry seminar held during the London Olympic Games that Daniel Craig's tenure in the role may end when they deem it to have peaked.

Wilson said he would have no qualms about replacing the franchise’s latest star should "Skyfall" prove to be the rugged actor’s peak. He added, "Pierce [Brosnan] was well-liked and the grosses were going up. But we knew we had to change things before they started to taper off. Bond is the star. He is bigger than any actor that portrays him."

Sir Roger Moore admitted after his seven-film tenure as 007 that he made one film too many.

But what most media covering this tidbit have failed to note is that the producer's decision to shift gears after 2002 was as much to do with the changing cinema landscape for action movies ("Bourne"), the 'creative cul-de-sac' they found themselves in after "Die Another Day", and their acquisition of the rights to adapt Ian Fleming's 'Casino Royale' novel.
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Comments

  • JWESTBROOKJWESTBROOK
    Posts: 5,745
    I wonder if Danny got too cocky, and the producers are whipping him into shape.


    Seems kind of.. uncomfortable imo.
  • karatemanchan37karatemanchan37
    Posts: 584
    Well after Skyfall he's only contracted for two more films no? So assuming Bond 25 is his last, which will probably be around the 2016-2018 period he would be nearing 50, which is probably the peak age for Bond anyway. I really can't see him age well and he might lose whatever suaveness he had in CR and QOS by that time, but there's no doubt he'll still be a physical brute.
  • 0BradyM0Bondfanatic70BradyM0Bondfanatic7 Quantum Floral Arrangements: "We Have Petals Everywhere"
    Posts: 28,694
    I don't like this news at all. What a stupid line of thinking. If that logic was true Dan would have been done when CR came out. MGW can bite me.
  • QBranchQBranch Always have an escape plan. Mine is watching James Bond films.
    edited August 2012 Posts: 13,892
    Then let's hope it never peaks.
  • GermanladyGermanlady
    edited August 2012 Posts: 6,601
    It was a different situation, when they replaced Pierce. DAD was terrible and there was nowhere to go with it. They needed a change., If SF rocks and fans are happy with DC and ready to see more of him, they are not going to piss on their own parade. Michael is old and tired...Its as stupid as his remark about making 8 films. Also, its stupid to not only saying it but saying it now. What do they expect him to do? Promote his swan song? Ridiculous...

    It all depends on the fans anyway...if they express their love for film and star, they will not touch it. Time will tell...

    I can't see him getting greedy and putting up a fight over money. Not his way...
  • BAIN123BAIN123
    Posts: 11,189
    I could never buy that Craig would do more films than Rog did - that's just PR talking.

    It could just be hype again so I'm going to wait and see what happens.
  • tqbtqb
    Posts: 1,022
    Hmmmmmmm trouble in paradise?
  • tqbtqb
    Posts: 1,022
    I think MGW should appoint me as his replacement :)
  • imranbecksimranbecks Singapore
    Posts: 972
    Its gonna be the whole sacking of Brosnan issue all over again.. I'd hate to have them remove Craig from the role without any warning whatsoever like they did for Pierce Brosnan...
  • boldfingerboldfinger
    edited August 2012 Posts: 5,767
    JWESTBROOK wrote:
    I wonder if Danny got too cocky, and the producers are whipping him into shape.
    I was thinking the same.
    Craig was reported to have had quite some influence on his films so far. Perhaps MGW keeps thinking of Cubby saying, "don´t let them screw it"?
    imranbecks wrote:
    Its gonna be the whole sacking of Brosnan issue all over again.. I'd hate to have them remove Craig from the role without any warning whatsoever like they did for Pierce Brosnan...
    Well, if this was the warning...

    But let´s not drift into negativity. Why should they sack Craig, now that they finally have a big chance to get back on track after 20 years?

  • RisicoRisico
    Posts: 97
    When *Barbara* starts talking about Daniel Craig's departure, then I'll start listening. ;-)
  • Lancaster007Lancaster007 Shrublands Health Clinic, England
    Posts: 1,874
    This is a poorly timed comment. MGW would do better to think before talking. I'm sure there are other ways of getting publicity for Skyfall. Wonder how DC feels about it?
  • craigrulescraigrules
    Posts: 284
    It's a power trip,the producers have no respect for Bond,the fans or the actors involved they just love power and money.
  • ShorelineShoreline
    Posts: 251
    MGW is totally right in my view, and it is the sort of thing Cubby did/would say too.
    I get the feeling Craig had a lot of influence on QOS, and the script, and that turned out to be a turkey. Yes, lots of people went to see it, but it won`t be remembered as a great Bond film. Craigs influence seems to have extended to the casting of Skyfall too, which might not be a bad thing, we will see.
    I get the feeling Babs would do anything for Craig, where as MGW is more of a realist, and has a lot more years of experience of making Bond films.

    The comment itself certainly seems telling of something....it`s a very unguarded statement to make upon the release of an upcoming Bond film....or it could be seen as just very honest, which I am inclined to do.

    They were very brave letting Brosnan go when they did, have faith guys. If it is Craigs swan song, so be it. I won`t be crying, there will always be another Bond....
  • NicNacNicNac Administrator, Moderator
    Posts: 7,568
    Exactly what did MW say? The only quote is
    "Pierce [Brosnan] was well-liked and the grosses were going up. But we knew we had to change things before they started to taper off. Bond is the star. He is bigger than any actor that portrays him."

    What exactly was the question, and what exactly did he say about Craig bowing out when he peaks?
    He could've said 'Sometimes it's better for an actor to go out on a high' which would be a whole different thing to ' We like to replace the actor when they peak'.

    They haven't hit an artistic brick wall with Craig yet, which they admit they had with Brosnan.

  • craigrulescraigrules
    Posts: 284
    The next Bond will be a slapstick clown not Bond at all really.
  • forgotmyusernameforgotmyusername
    Posts: 2,782
    He didn't have influence, he was writing the scenes as they were going along for QofS.That's the producer's fault not his.

    I think they know SKYFALL is going to be huge and DC's star and salary demands are going to be on the rise. It's just EON talking a bit of sense and a lot of tutty to keep their star's demands in line.

  • 0BradyM0Bondfanatic70BradyM0Bondfanatic7 Quantum Floral Arrangements: "We Have Petals Everywhere"
    Posts: 28,694
    craigrules wrote:
    The next Bond will be a slapstick clown not Bond at all really.

    Don't even joke. That is reason enough to disown the current films in the franchise at that point.
  • ShorelineShoreline
    Posts: 251
    forgotmyusername wrote:
    He didn't have influence, he was writing the scenes as they were going along for QofS.That's the producer's fault not his.

    I think they know SKYFALL is going to be huge and DC's star and salary demands are going to be on the rise. It's just EON talking a bit of sense and a lot of tutty to keep their star's demands in line.

    This is a good point, you could be right there.
    Whatever happens next, Skyfall is looking good.

  • thelivingroyalethelivingroyale
    edited August 2012 Posts: 12,837
    Germanlady wrote:
    It all depends on the fans anyway...if they express their love for film and star, they will not touch it. Time will tell...

    That didn't stop them replacing Brosnan though.

    I doubt SF will be his last one but I can't see Craig doing over 5 films, maybe a 6th. He definetly won't beat Moore's record, he's too old now to do that.
  • Gus82Gus82
    Posts: 138
    I wouldn't get too excited about this. I thought the comments about keeping going with Daniel Craig indefinitely was even more bizarre than this. He's a great actor and a superb Bond, but each Bond actors film will follow a natural arc and then the franchise needs a new actor to shake things up a bit.

    Personally I suspect there is room for a couple more Craig films. It would be neat for another double parter to bookend his time as Bond and finish off Quantum. So..

    Bond 24: Finds out more about Quantum, beats the bad guys and discovers the new ultimate villain...

    Bond 25: Chases down the head of Quantum and uncovers an epic evil plot of international proportions.

    I think by the producers planning ahead and acknowledging that one of these films will be Craig's last, would allow them to really push the boat out and do something unbeatable for the last one in his series of films.
  • 4EverBonded4EverBonded the Ballrooms of Mars
    Posts: 12,459
    Yes, a poorly timed comment from MGW. Craig has two more Bonds in him if they keep the pace of making them every 2 years. And I fervently hope so.

    But like everyone I want good films -; there is no sense is predicting 5 or 7 or 8 films, what is the point really? Two more quality Bond films with Craig and I'm happy; three would be surprising. No need to push it and this talk is all so very premature. Not a good thing for people to be jabbering about right before Skyfall's premiere, I think. Distracting and unrealistic to try predictions about that now. I don't want negativity heading right into this film's premiere.
  • MajorDSmytheMajorDSmythe "I tolerate this century, but I don't enjoy it."Moderator
    Posts: 13,894
    In that case, I hope this is true and that Craig peaks with SF, three and out.

    I don't fancy being in EON HQ when Babs hears about this. She's not going to want her little pet project to end just yet.
  • bondsumbondsum
    Posts: 3,333
    I do think the MGW comments are ill-timed but then he's never been my favourite spokesman for the franchise. This talk might have something to do with the new contract negotiations that will take place after Skyfall. In other words, if Craig is asking too much then they'll find a cheaper and younger option. It might be just a warning shot to his agent.
  • DCisaredDCisared Liverpool
    Posts: 1,329
    If Craig goes after skyfall then I will be severely devastated :(
    I think we all have a feeling that skyfall will be terrific and he is certainly young enough to do another two maybe 3 films after skyfall.
    DC has made me believe in the character again and if he does go sooner than we all thought he would then I hope it isn't on bad terms :(
  • doubleoegodoubleoego #LightWork
    Posts: 11,139
    Sounds like a ploy to get bums on seats to me. Craig is extremely popular as Bond and if there's some misdirection at hinting SF could perhaps be Craig's last, which it most certainly will not be, it'll manipulate more of the GP into the cinema. Psychological warfare with the GP is all it is.
  • RisicoRisico
    Posts: 97
    NicNac wrote:
    Exactly what did MW say? The only quote is
    He could've said 'Sometimes it's better for an actor to go out on a high' which would be a whole different thing to ' We like to replace the actor when they peak'.

    Good point, and that's one thing that puzzles me about the comment. Whilst it's easy to judge a 'high' to go out on, it's not so easy to judge a 'peak' until you've passed it and started to go down hill...
  • SandySandy Somewhere in Europe
    Posts: 4,012
    doubleoego wrote:
    Sounds like a ploy to get bums on seats to me. Craig is extremely popular as Bond and if there's some misdirection at hinting SF could perhaps be Craig's last, which it most certainly will not be, it'll manipulate more of the GP into the cinema. Psychological warfare with the GP is all it is.

    Not to speak of the awards! Give him an Oscar while you can ;)

    Now seriously, I think people are reading to much into this story, it was taken out of context and it could have been a general comment. In fact it's a wise advice to anyone now that I think about it
  • Theblack007Theblack007
    Posts: 66
    I never pay that much attention to these sort of "quotes"- unless I hear it in context and straight form Mr.Wilson's mouth then I will take it with a pinch of salt. Regardless of whether Skyfall will be as epic as it looks in the trailer (and I think we all know that it will be), the movie will still be one of the biggest hits of the year and will make a huge turnover at the box office. My feeling is that Daniel will do one more and move on.....and rightly so in my opinion. These days, with a franchise like Bond, they have to change the lead actor after their 4th movie or else it gets stale- its not like the 70's when people didn't give a f**k. Audiences are different now and as much as I love Daniel Craig's Bond (and I was one of the smallminded naysayers when I heard he'd been cast) and the fact the he has done a magnificent job from the word go - I still think he will do one more and thats it.....I also feel it will be HIS decision rather than Broccolli's or Wilson's. Daniel Craig is one of the UK's finest actors. He was never really short of work prior to playing Bond and he is not likely to be after- He is an "actor" in the true sense of the word and in many ways I thinks Daniel's career will further flourish post-Bond. So who's your money on for 007 in Bond 25- It's gotta be Mr.Fassbender surely?
  • thelivingroyalethelivingroyale
    edited August 2012 Posts: 12,837
    @Theblack007 I agree with you, but I could see him maybe doing a 5th if they get the films out quick enough. But Craig's a smart guy and he won't carry on into his 50s just for the sake of it.

    As for Fassbender, nah, too famous. I'd like it to be Tom Hardy or Idris Elbra but again, too famous. It'll probably be some unknown actor.
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