James Bond fans. As the face of the iconic spy for 15 years, Craig brought a gritty and emotional depth to the role across five films, starting with Casino Royale in 2006 and concluding with No Time to Die in 2021. His tenure redefined the franchise, earning critical acclaim and significant box office success, including the highest-grossing Bond film, Skyfall (2012), which won two Oscars.

In an interview with The New Yorker, Craig revealed his policy against g "007" for fans, explaining his personal reasoning and reflecting on the international espionage legacy. For many moviegoers, the renowned actor remains synonymous with the 007 moniker, making his rejection of this specific request an interesting choice, to say the least. Here's what he had to say:

“People say, ‘Can you put 007?’ I would say, no... I won’t do it. Yeah. If someone comes up to me and says, ‘Can I have your autograph?’ I’m so happy because it’s better than fucking this [Extends arm to mime taking a selfie.] But they used to say, ‘Can you put 007?’ Nah. People get very upset.

Oh, [it's happened] many, many times. I think I’ve done it twice, and there were mitigating circumstances. But I can’t tell you why. My instinct would just kick in and be, like, no. I mean, I suppose it’s the thing that defines me. I’m not going to deny it. It’s been a seminal part of my life, but internally it doesn’t define me. And so, therefore, connecting it to my name? Someone else will do it one day—wheel of life. It won’t mean shit.”

What Craig's Refusal To Sign "007" Means

The Actor Keeps His Personal Identity Separate From James Bond

While the James Bond role catapulted the actor to global stardom with great stunts and an authentic personality, Daniel Craig's comments suggest a desire to separate his personal identity and talent from the fictional spy. By declining to write "007," Craig emphasizes that while the role as an international spy has been formative in his career, it does not fully define him as an individual or as an actor.

This distinction also affirms as "007" agents, there were George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, and Pierce Brosnan. The Knives Out actor's approach appears to honor the legacy of the role while signaling a healthy detachment from its long-term cultural weight.

Our Take On Craig's Refusal To Sign "007"

How Craig’s Autograph Policy Reflects His Growth

While moviegoers might interpret Craig's policy as a rejection of his Bond era, it feels more like a boundary-setting exercise. His candidness about the challenges of embodying such an icon is refreshing. The role was more than just a collection of suave catchphrases and action sequences—it was deeply personal. While the actor is proud of "007," he is equally committed to exploring new creative avenues such as Luca Guadagnino's Queer (2024), leaving space for the next actor to take on the role with James Bond 26 just on the horizon.

Fans may be disappointed, but Craig’s approach feels entirely in line with the actor we’ve come to ire: someone who doesn’t shy away from the complexities of legacy and fame, but also doesn’t let them define him. Just as Craig redefined James Bond on-screen, his off-screen stance redefines an icon as someone willing to cherish the past without being chained to it.

Source: The New Yorker