James Bond 25: What Daniel Craig REALLY thinks about 007 and the 'intense' END of Bond

This is the man who apparently said he would rather smash a glass and cut his wrists before returning to play Bond. Rumours also suggested it was his clashes with Danny Boyle which saw the director unceremoniously removed from the upcoming film. SPECTRE was widely believed to be Craig’s final outing on Her Majesty’s secret service. It even ended with 007 walking off into the sunset with Madeleine Swann. Underwhelming reviews seem to have added to the pressure to make the definitive Bond. But what is true? What does Craig really think about playing one of cinema’s most iconic figures?

In a new interview, the actor talks openly about filming No Tiem Die and his feelings about the role and what comes next.

He says: “Every day has an intensity to it. We’re trying to make the best f***ing Bond movie we can. Pulling out all the stops.

“If we aim for the stars, we might hit the treetops.”

At times it has maybe appeared as if being part of such a huge, blockbuster commercial venture was a bit of a chore for the actor. He reveals his honest feelings about it all.

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Craig tells the Sunday Times; “This may be hard to believe but I love the fact that I’m Bond.

“We’re in rare air, making Bond movies. It is one of the most intense, fulfilling things I have ever done, but it takes a lot of energy and I’m getting old. I’m getting creaky.”

The actor, in fact, is one of the producers now, his name listed alongside Barbara Brocolli.

That famous story about his wanting slit his wrists is true, but the context is important. He was talking about the idea of starting another Bond movie immediately after SPECTRE and was illustrating how badly he needed a physical and emotional break.

He was also contracted to make one more movie, although as many franchises have shown, this does not always happen.

Assuming this really is Craig’s final Bond movie, how does he feel about that?

He says: “I’ll miss my friends. I’ve worked with many of these people for 15 years now, and that will be a real jar. I’ll see them now and again but this is a special atmosphere, on a Bond set.”

What will he do next?

He laughs: “Who knows? Maybe nobody will employ me again. I’ve got no serious plans.”

FULL ARTICLE IN TODAY’S SUNDAY TIMES