From “Crazy” Screen Tests to Global Icon: How Daniel Craig Became the New James Bond
Despite being the top choice, Craig was initially wary of the “huge responsibility” and the potential for typecasting.
RMN Stars James Bond Desk
New Delhi | March 6, 2026
Producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli officially ushered in a new era for the 007 franchise, selecting Daniel Craig to lead a grounded reboot aimed at bringing the series “back to Earth”. The shift in direction was sparked by the availability of the rights to Casino Royale, Ian Fleming’s first Bond novel, allowing the filmmakers to explore the character’s “realistic roots” during his first mission as a 00 agent.
The Search for a New 007: While Casting Director Debbie McWilliams initially focused on younger actors, Barbara Broccoli placed Daniel Craig at the top of her list. Although many cited his role in Layer Cake as his primary calling card, it was Craig’s performance as a Jesuit priest in the 1998 drama Elizabeth that originally caught Broccoli’s attention. She praised the actor for possessing a unique blend of toughness, vulnerability, and charisma.
The “Destiny” Screen Tests: The casting process, conducted under the code-names Destiny and Alcatraz, culminated in elaborate screen tests in September 2005. Craig faced stiff competition, with actors Henry Cavill and Sam Worthington also testing for the role. The tests required candidates to perform a classic scene from From Russia With Love. Craig recalled the intensity of the day as “crazy,” admitting he nearly walked away by lunchtime.
Hesitation and Creative Control: Despite being the top choice, Craig was initially wary of the “huge responsibility” and the potential for typecasting. He sought counsel from family and colleagues, including former Bond Pierce Brosnan, who told him to “go for it”. To alleviate his concerns, Broccoli offered Craig unprecedented creative input into the script development, the choice of director, and key casting decisions. Craig ultimately received the life-changing news via a phone call while shopping during a day off from filming The Invasion in Baltimore.
A Stormy Reception: The actor was officially introduced to the world on October 14, 2005, arriving at a press conference on the River Thames via Royal Marine speedboats. The announcement was met with a wave of “tabloid bullshit,” as critics derided Craig for being too short and having blond hair, which differed from the dark-haired Bond described in Fleming’s novels. Director Martin Campbell dismissed the backlash, noting that even Sean Connery faced similar “disaster” predictions when he was first hired.
Vindication and Success: The skepticism vanished following the 2006 premiere of Casino Royale. Craig’s debut was a critical triumph, making him the first actor to earn a BAFTA nomination for portraying James Bond. Having once only “fantasised” about being Bond as a child in the playground, Craig has now successfully redefined the character for a new generation across five films.
