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, featuring Daniel Craig in his farewell appearance as 007, has been hailed a 'masterpiece' by viewers and critics alike.
Daniel Craig's Final Mission
No Time to Die is the sequel to Spectre (2015) and the fifth and final Bond film in Craig's career. The film's official plot states: "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."
Directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga, the film followed the widely reported departure of Danny Boyle in August 2018 owing to 'creative differences'. The screenplay was crafted by Fukunaga alongside Neal Purvis, Robert Wade and Phoebe Waller-Bridge.
Critical and Commercial Success
The film launched in the UK in September 2021, having faced setbacks due to the Covid-19 pandemic and Boyle's exit 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.
Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, Craig reflected on stepping down 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."
Billie Eilish performed the theme tune, which won an Oscar for Best Original Song, and Hans Zimmer composed the score. The film took over $774 million at the global box office, making it the most costly Bond film ever produced and the third-highest-grossing entry in the franchise.
Audience and Critic Praise
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."
One viewer wrote 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."
No Time to Die will air on ITV1 tonight at 8pm.
