The Bond franchise is one of the longest running in film history, spanning decades of filmmaking and inspiring generations of fans. Daniel Craig marks the whopping ninth actor to play 007, but he’s coming up to his swan song as James. Cary Joji Fukunaga’s No Time To Die will be Craig’s fifth and final performance as the martini drinking MI6 agent, so the pressure is on for Eon productions to deliver. And according to actress Naomie Harris, Bond 25 will be very much connected to the last few sequels.
Naomie Harris began her tenure as Moneypenny in Skyfall, eventually reprising the role in Spectre. Harris will play Eve Moneypenny in No Time To Die, once again sharing the screen with Daniel Craig’s Bond. She recently teased the upcoming sequel’s connection to the previous films, saying:
Well, this is exciting. In addition to teasing some epic plot twists, it seems that No Time To Die will continue the story of Daniel Craig’s Bond, building off his previous adventures and losses.
Naomie Harris’ comments to GQ should excite cinephiles, and long standing fans of 007’s big screen adventures. The James Bond franchise isn’t one that is known for long-running plot lines and serialized storytelling. Most movies are self-contained, with a new Bond Girl and villain introduced in each new installment, and little to no reference to past movies.
But Daniel Craig’s time as Bond changed this, as the story of each movie helped motivate the beloved protagonist. He’s been affected by the death of Judi Dench’s M in Skyfall, as well as Vesper’s in Casino Royale. The past four films have more of a real narrative weaved through, rather than a fresh adventure and gadgets for Bond to manage throughout each individual story.
No Time To Die‘s connection to the previous movies like Spectre can also be seen in its casting. In addition to the various MI6 agents who are returning for another appearance, Spectre actress Léa Seydoux will reprise her role as Dr. Madeleine Swann. Bond was last seen driving off with Swann to an unknown destination, which isn’t totally unique for a 007 movie. But she won’t be just another Bond girl, as the character will get more story in Cary Joji Fukunaga’s highly anticipated blockbuster.
The synopsis of No Time To Die teases that Bond has retired from his work as a spy. But when his friend Felix (Jeffrey Wright) comes knocking, James gets back involved in that world he previously tried to escape. And it’ll put him in conflict with Rami Malek’s mysterious villain.
Our questions will be answered when No Time To Die hits theaters on April 8th, 2020. In the meantime, check out our 2019 release list to plan your next trip to the movies.