BY LEE PFEIFFER
In a controversial interview with Time Out London, Daniel Craig talks in earthy terms at length about the challenges and rewards of playing James Bond and discusses the forthcoming 007 epic "SPECTRE". What's raised eyebrows is his comments about not wanting to play James Bond again. Craig says he'd rather slash his wrists than take on the role of 007, even as he expresses concern that whoever plays the role in the future ensures that the quality of the franchise is preserved. In that respect, Craig's comments are a bit ambiguous. He does leave the door open to considering another Bond film but says he would only do it for the money. Craig's stance is a bit surprising. While the Bond franchise has seen its share of troubles between the lead actors and the producers over the decades, Craig is said to have a warm and mutually respectful relationship with current producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, both of whom plucked him from relative oblivion (he certainly wasn't a household name) and, against all conventional wisdom, hired him to replace the enormously successful Pierce Brosnan. If Craig's comments distancing himself from the role of Bond sound callous and ungrateful at first blush, he does make clear that he is very proud of the work he's done with his colleagues on the series and cares deeply that the franchise will only continue to improve over time. Bond fans are already in a panic over the notion that Craig may quit the role. They might want to pause before drowning their sorrows in a sea of Vodka Martinis and recall that Sean Connery quit the part twice and it appeared as though even amiable Roger Moore threatened to leave the role on a couple of occasions. (Other actors were even screen-tested for the part). (To read the interview click here.)
Now, here's the kicker that makes us wonder when exactly the Time Out interview was conducted. In the Mail on Sunday's 27 September edition, there was a special supplemental section (obviously done with Eon Productions' blessing) that interviews Craig. In the article, he confirms that he has indeed committed to at least one more film after "SPECTRE"- and reiterates that he considers it an honor to play the role. In fact he states: "I'll keep going as long as I'm physically able. I'm contracted for one more - but I'm not going to make predictions." The article also indicates that Craig is being paid a Goldfinger-sized fortune for his performances, having earned £17 million for "Skyfall" and is expected to earn at least that much for the next two films, should he choose to star in them. So the incentives to do at least one more Bond film are very strong for Craig. How two interviews can feature such opposite viewpoints from him remains a mystery unless he has a double out there somewhere...perhaps a real life case of "The Spy With My Face".