Daniel Craig returns to the role of James Bond 007 in Columbia Pictures’ new action-thriller “Quantum of Solace” after the smash hit success of 2006’s “Casino Royale” which saw his debut in the role.
“It’s like I’ve never been away, I was involved for a little longer this time and was working on ‘Quantum’ for about three months before we started shooting. A Bond film is a big piece of machinery, to get it going takes a lot of momentum and a lot of pushing. We kicked off straight away after Christmas and everything started falling into place.”
Following the record breaking success of “Casino Royale,” Craig is not under estimating the task ahead. “I don’t feel it is easier on this one, it feels harder. We have got expectation on us now which can be double edged, we have got to make this one better. People always talked about the fact that ‘Casino Royale’ was a departure for Bond and this has to be a departure again. Having [director] Marc Forster involved, who is very much a visual story teller, and getting Dan Bradley to direct the second unit, who shoots stunts brilliantly and gets as much out of the action as possible, combining those two has been the name of the game; it’s getting the best talent we can to create the best Bond movie we can possibly make. We are taking the story on from the last film but we are exploring different things.”
“Quantum of Solace” represents the first direct sequel in the James Bond film series, Craig explains; “We felt we needed to tie up the loose ends from ‘Casino Royale’ and make sure people realize we are back making Bond movies. For me it’s about creating something that is going to stand alone but if you put the two films together, you’re going to have an incredible experience because you will see one continuous story.”
The new film promises twice as many stunts and Craig welcomes the opportunity to train for these with a view to doing as many of his own stunts as the production will allow. “We have hit the ground running. There are so many variables on a movie like this. In a way, it is still new to me but you have got to cover yourself and try to get as much rehearsal and stunt training time as possible. The sets are complicated and often dangerous so we have got to be on the ball all the time and, hopefully, it will all add to the finished product.”
“Quantum” was filmed in more countries than any other film in the franchise, Craig explains why; “I think the remit for the Bond movie is that we have to be taken somewhere. It is important that we see this character go places that excite you and make you look at the world in a different way. For me, as a kid, the Bond movies transported you to another world. If that was the only reason to make this film, we have fulfilled it.”
Despite the hard work, or maybe because of it, Craig is enthused. “I’m incredibly excited about what we have done, I’m amazed how much we have crammed in. The film looks stunning and I know we have got something really special.”
Opening across the Philippines on Wednesday, Nov. 5, “Quantum of Solace” is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures International.