James Bond’s missions are never straightforward – and neither was the making of No Time To Die. Daniel Craig’s fifth and final outing as 007 was initially beset by some high-profile production issues – but now is firmly back on track to give Bond the return he deserves. With the 25th instalment in the franchise now only a matter of months away, here’s what we know so far about the upcoming film.
What’s the plot of No Time To Die?
The specifics are obviously under wraps for now, but here’s the official synopsis: “Bond has left active service and is enjoying a tranquil life in Jamaica. His peace is short-lived when his old friend Felix Leiter from the CIA turns up asking for help. The mission to rescue a kidnapped scientist turns out to be far more treacherous than expected, leading Bond onto the trail of a mysterious villain armed with dangerous new technology.”
Why did Daniel Craig return as James Bond?
Despite the tabloids constantly searching for the ‘next James Bond’, Daniel Craig never actually left the series. While those infamous (largely misquoted) ‘slashed wrists’ comments around the release of Spectre strongly hinted at his reluctance to return, Craig spoke to Empire about his decision to come back for a fifth movie, concluding the story of Casino Royale, Quantum Of Solace, Skyfall, and Spectre. “If that had been it, the world would have carried on as normal, and I would have been absolutely fine,” he says. “But somehow it felt like we needed to finish something off. If I’d left it at Spectre, something at the back of my head would have been going, ‘I wish I’d done one more.’”
Who’s the director of No Time To Die?
In the director’s chair is Cary Joji Fukunaga – the man behind the first season of True Detective (the good one), Netflix film Beasts Of No Nation, and most recently Netflix’s Jonah Hill and Emma Stone-starring limited series Maniac. He replaced Danny Boyle (Trainspotting, Sunshine, Slumdog Millionaire etc.) who was initially announced as the director in May 2018, and who exited the project later that summer. An official statement claimed there were “creative differences” between Boyle, Daniel Craig, and producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli.
Fukunaga is an interesting choice for the directing gig – he’s the first American director to shoot a Bond film, and has previously worked with Idris Elba (on Beasts) which has re-stoked hopes that the actor could don the tux once Craig is finished. He’s also previously exited a project prior to shooting because of creative differences, originally due to direct Stephen King's It before Andy Muschietti stepped in. His output has proved he does both style and substance, which should bode well for a 21st century Bond film.
Why did Danny Boyle leave No Time To Die?
The official statement cited the classic “creative differences” – which could mean all sorts of things, and stories are likely to emerge for years to come about what went wrong. One report claimed that Cold War actor Tomasz Kot was being approached to play a Russian villain, and for whatever reason that caused a rift between the director, star and producers. Another rumour is that Boyle’s exit came after the idea was mooted to kill off Bond – something that’s never happened in the franchise’s history, despite the character’s constant reinventions.
Who’s written the script for No Time To Die?
The version set to shoot originates with regular Bond writers Neal Purvis and Robert Wade – the duo who wrote The World Is Not Enough, Die Another Day, Casino Royale, Quantum Solace, Skyfall, and Spectre. Scott Z Burns was later brought in to re-write Purvis and Wade’s version, followed by the surprise announcement that Fleabag and Killing Eve's Phoebe Waller-Bridge was also contributing at Daniel Craig's request. It remains to be seen how the official story and screenwriting credits will be apportioned.
Who’s the No Time To Die villain?
Fresh from his Oscar win for Bohemian Rhapsody, Rami Malek was named as the latest Bond baddie – a largely mysterious, scarred figure by the name of Safin. There have been rumours that Malek’s villain could be a new version of Dr. No, but speaking to Empire the actor seemed keen to deliver something original. “If I went in there and tried to make a carbon copy of someone, what joy or fun would that be for anybody? I guess that may be a lesson I learned from Mr. Mercury. If it’s not original, then why bother?” he said. “I’ve pocketed some things from some of my favourites. But I tried to every day imbue this character with something I thought made sense for the character, but might also at the same time be shocking and unnerving.”
Will Blofeld be back?
He will – as confirmed by the film’s official trailer. By the looks of things, he’s still being held by British Intelligence after being captured at the end of Spectre, but we wouldn’t put it past him pulling the strings while he’s locked up. Christoph Waltz is reprising the role – making him the first personal to play Blofeld twice.
Who's in the No Time To Die cast?
Along with Craig and Waltz, returning cast from previous films are Léa Seydoux as Madeleine Swann, Ralph Fiennes as M, Naomie Harris as Moneypenny, Rory Kinnear as Tanner, Ben Whishaw as Q and Jeffrey Wright as Felix Leiter.
Newcomers alongside Malek are Lashana Lynch, Billy Magnussen, Ana De Armas, David Dencik, and Dali Benssalah.
Will No Time To Die have a female 007?
That’s the rumour – though for now, that’s all it is. What those rumours refer to is the arrival of Lashana Lynch’s new character Nomi, who is confirmed to be a fellow 00-agent. Seeing as Bond is retired and living in Jamaica at the beginning of the story, it’s thought that she could have been assigned his old agent number – which would make her the new 007, if not a ‘female James Bond’. Speaking to Empire, Lynch said: “Though the reactions to such a rumour have been varied, I love that the conversation is even happening. And I think that’s really exciting for long-running fans, new fans, but also young people that would potentially have that as not even an idea, as something that is just normal for them. That’s really special for me.”
What's the release date of No Time To Die?
The film comes to UK cinemas on 2 April.