No Time to Die, the 25th James Bond film and Daniel Craig's last outing as 007, will air on ITV1 tonight at 8pm. The spy thriller has been hailed a 'cinematic masterpiece' by critics and fans alike.
The film, which is the sequel to Spectre (2015) and the fifth and final Bond film in Craig's filmography, was released in the UK in September 2021 after delays due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the departure of director Danny Boyle in August 2018 due to 'creative differences'. Cary Joji Fukunaga directed the film, with a screenplay penned by Fukunaga alongside Neal Purvis, Robert Wade and Phoebe Waller-Bridge.
Plot and Cast
No Time to Die'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.”
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.
Critical and Commercial Success
The film grossed over $774 million at the global box-office and is reportedly the 'most expensive' James Bond film ever made. It currently stands as the third-highest-grossing Bond film in the entire franchise. Billie Eilish performed the theme song, and Hans Zimmer composed the score. No Time to Die won an Oscar for Best Original Song for Eilish alongside two other Academy Award nominations.
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.”
Craig spoke about leaving the role after 15 years and five films in an interview with Entertainment Weekly: “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.”
No Time to Die will air on ITV1 tonight at 8pm.
