No Time To Die is Daniel Craig’s final performance as James Bond, but is the character set to die in the film?
While there have been plenty of actors who have starred in the role of James Bond, Craig has brought something very different to the role – a unique darkness and ruggedness that we haven’t seen before.
He’s also the most physical of the Bond actors and his version of the character has come far closer to death than all his predecessors.
There are many hints that Bond will die in the upcoming film with Craig himself remaining very coy about what the film has in store for audiences.
Throughout the trailer, there is a running theme about Bond’s mortality. A number of characters reference the idea of him dying, or they’re surprised he’s alive at all after he seemingly retired.
Lashana Lynch’s character Nomi seems to have adopted the 007 agent number in his absence, warning him to “stay in your lane”.
Christoph Waltz’s Blofield returns in the trailer, talking to Bond about his new life with Dr. Madeleine Swann (Lea Seydoux), saying, “When her secret finds its way out, it will be the death of you.”
Rami Malek’s Safin speaks about Bond’s background and skillset and tells him, “I could be speaking to my own reflection, only your skills die with your body, and mine will survive long after I’m gone.”
There have also been clues in other Bond movies.
Skyfall opens with Naomi Harris’ Moneypenny accidentally shooting Bond during a train chase. He is presumed dead but later returns to MI6.
The movie also leans more heavily into the theme of mortality with Judi Dench’s M. It’s the first time in the James Bond franchise that characters are seen as fully human.
ScreenRant compares the marketing of No Time To Die to Logan, which was Hugh Jackman’s final performance as Wolverine. Both feature their main characters coming out of self-imposed exiles to complete one last mission.
If No Time To Die is similar, we’ll be seeing the death of Craig’s 007.
At this stage, we don’t know who will take on the role of the iconic character next, but we do know that Nomi won’t be the next Bond.
No Time To Die is out in cinemas on 8 April.