Daniel Craig’s recent comments about the possibility of a gay James Bond have stirred conversation, though the debate about diversity in the iconic spy franchise remains unresolved. Craig was speaking at the Venice Film Festival, where he premiered his latest film, Queer, an adaptation of a William S. Burroughs novella featuring a gay romance set in 1940s Mexico City.
In Queer, Craig stars alongside Drew Starkey in a story about an American expatriate entangled in a relationship with a younger man. During a press conference at the festival, Craig was asked about the idea of a gay James Bond in future films. His reaction, which included rolling his eyes, hinted at his frustration with the recurring question.
Director Luca Guadagnino, who was also at the press conference, responded to the question by emphasizing the importance of focusing on the character’s core attributes rather than speculating about his personal life. “There is no way around the fact that nobody would ever know what James Bond desires, period,” Guadagnino said. “The important thing is that he does his missions properly.”
Guadagnino also expressed his admiration for Craig, revealing that he was initially doubtful about Craig’s involvement in Queer. However, when the opportunity arose, Craig’s enthusiastic agreement was a pleasant surprise. “He’s one of the greatest actors,” Guadagnino stated. “It’s a privilege to work with someone like him.”
The conversation about diversifying the portrayal of James Bond has been ongoing, with some advocating for a Black actor to take on the role. Idris Elba, whose name has frequently come up in these discussions, has expressed mixed feelings about the debate. Last year, Elba acknowledged that while he was flattered by the suggestion, the conversation was marred by racial undertones. “It became about race, and I got the brunt of it,” Elba remarked, referring to the negative reactions from some quarters.
Queer is anticipated to be released in US theaters later this year.
