No Time to Die, the 25th instalment in the James Bond franchise and the most recent release since 2021, will be broadcast on ITV1 at 8pm tonight. The spy thriller marks Daniel Craig's final appearance as 007 and has been hailed a 'transcendent masterpiece' by critics and audiences alike.
Craig's farewell as 007
No Time to Die serves as the follow-up to Spectre (2015) and is the fifth and concluding Bond film in Craig's body of work. The official synopsis reads: "James Bond has left active service. His peace is short-lived when Felix Leiter, an old friend from the CIA, turns up asking for help, leading Bond onto the trail of a mysterious villain armed with dangerous new technology."
The film was directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga following Danny Boyle's widely reported departure in August 2018 over 'creative differences'. The screenplay was written by Fukunaga together with Neal Purvis, Robert Wade and Phoebe Waller-Bridge.
Premiere and cast
No Time to Die premiered in the UK in September 2021, having been postponed owing to the Covid-19 pandemic and Boyle's withdrawal as director. Craig is joined by Ralph Fiennes, Ana de Armas, Rami Malek, Léa Seydoux, David Dencik, Ben Whishaw, Billy Magnussen, Naomie Harris, Jeffrey Wright, and Christoph Waltz alongside a larger ensemble cast.
Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, Craig reflected on stepping away from the role after 15 years and five films: "I'll miss everything, I think. I'll miss the collaboration. I mean, hopefully I'll keep working and I'll have lots of other lovely jobs, but it's very, very, very rare air. Apart from Marvel movies, there aren't movies that are as big as this."
Critical and commercial success
The film attracted further high-profile talent, with Billie Eilish delivering the theme song and Hans Zimmer taking charge of the musical score. No Time to Die claimed an Oscar for Best Original Song for Eilish, along with two additional Academy Award nominations.
The movie grossed over $774 million at the worldwide box office and is reportedly the most costly James Bond film ever produced. It currently ranks as the third-highest-grossing entry in the entire Bond franchise.
Beyond its commercial success, the film garnered enormous critical acclaim. One reviewer wrote: "Everything you wanted! It's Dr No meets Skyfall! Fukunaga crafted the most pure James Bond experience yet! Bringing a perfect, emotional, & VISCERAL send off for Daniel Craig. The action is insane, the score is PERFECTION, & such a smooth runtime!"
Another critic said: "No Time To Die is the most emotional, personal James Bond movie of Daniel Craig's Era, holding a heartfelt farewell to the now-iconic actor. Massive praise to the outstanding ensemble cast."
Audiences were equally impressed. One viewer posted on Rotten Tomatoes: "No Time to Die is not just another Bond movie-it is the Bond movie that dares to redefine what a Bond movie can be. Daring, sleek, and unexpectedly moving, Cary Joji Fukunaga's direction brings an emotional weight and visual grace rarely seen in this franchise's long history."
A user review on IMDB reads: "We watched this at the cinema today. I've been a life long fan of Bond but I have to say, Craig's performances and portrayal of 007 have been brilliant, brilliant, brilliant. It was the swan song that he deserved, that his loyal fans deserved."
One fan writes: "Of all the actors who have played the iconic James Bond, Daniel Craig has given us the most dignified and heart-warming farewell. The film's nearly three-hour running time flies by, packed with everything that has made the series so enduring. An excellent choice for a weekend."
No Time to Die will broadcast on ITV1 this evening at 8pm.
