James Bond is back
· Updated: · 4 min read
HE'S BACK – WITH A PODCAST
The wait is (almost) over: James Bond returns to the big screen in April. The epitome of the gentleman agent will be portrayed by Daniel Craig for the sixth and final time. What must it feel like to be the world’s most famous MI6 agent? The actor reveals all in person in the new James Bond podcast – we’ve had a listen for you!
“My name is King, James King. And I promise, this is the last time I’ll make that joke,” says the host and film critic as he welcomes listeners to the “No Time To Die” podcast. Over six episodes, secrets from the world of James Bond will be revealed. Alongside Craig, the podcast features the new villain and Oscar winner Rami Malek, Bond girl Léa Seydoux, the new 007 agent Lashana Lynch, Naomie Harris (“Miss Moneypenny”), director Cary Joji Fukunaga, the producers, theme song singer Billie Eilish and many other crew members, from the casting director to the special effects supervisor.
How James Bond has changed
On Apple, Spotify, Acast and all other major podcast providers, King discusses the past and future of what is arguably the most famous film series of all time. The first episode, which has already been released, also offers all Bond newcomers the chance to immerse themselves in the world of the secret agent. In “Bond in Context”, the protagonists discuss, among other things, the changes to the title role since Daniel Craig took on the role of “007”.
“I can’t continue the old role. But I can reinvent it,” Craig replied when asked to become the sixth Bond in history. And how: in Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace, Skyfall and Spectre, the stiff agent became a sometimes undisciplined bon vivant – in other words: a gentleman with weaknesses. But it wasn’t just James Bond who was reimagined. Little by little, characters who had captured the hearts of fans over the past 60 years or so returned. From Miss Moneypenny to the inventive Q, right through to MI6 department head Bill Tanner. “I wanted to reintroduce the roles I got to know as a child,” says Craig.
All episodes at a glance
Following the opening episode, host King and his guests each focus on a different theme across five further episodes:
Episode 1: Bond through the ages
Episode 2: James Bond around the world
Episode 3: Bond’s
allies and adversaries Episode 4: The craft of Bond
Episode 5: Clothing, technology and cars
Episode 6: The role of 007
What makes it special: alongside exclusive first-hand information, listeners are immediately drawn into the world of James Bond. Familiar melodies and new works by film composer Hans Zimmer and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra help you dive straight in and get swept away. And when the screenwriters reveal how they drew inspiration for the 25th Bond film from current affairs, it’s not just die-hard fans who are likely to prick up their ears: “We’re always looking for content that’s relevant now and could become relevant in the future. The challenge is to develop something new, but at the same time not to change the familiar role too much,” explain Neal Purvis and Robert Wade.
The future of James Bond
To date, Daniel Craig’s stints as “007” have grossed over 3.1 billion euros – and not only the film distributor but also many cinemas are likely pinning their hopes on the appeal of “No Time to Die”. But what comes next? For Craig, the next film will be his last as Her Majesty’s secret agent, and the rumour mill is in full swing over the question of his successor. Perhaps the podcast will even fuel the speculation further.
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