There was a huge backlash against the announcement of Daniel Craig as the sixth man to take up the role of James Bond in 2005. Looking back, it's not exactly clear why, given that Die Another Day had taken the franchise to an all-time low and any change was therefore a step in the right direction. For some reason, however, there was extensive criticism about his look, particularly his blonde hair, and media commentators loudly derided his selection (from a prospective list of about 200 candidates, no less) all the way up to Casino Royale's release in 2006. After this, they were silenced, as Craig delivered an interpretation on the character that many, nine years later, are calling the best take on Bond of all time. This is certainly up for argument, but the man has undoubtedly made the role his own as Spectre hits cinemas. Some were quick to dub 2012's Skyfall as the best Bond film of all time, not just the Craig era, upon its initial release. Though a sterling effort with a number of powerful moments, such as M's demise during the film's excellently-scripted epilogue, it is lacking in places, particularly as far as memorable supporting characters go. There was also the matter of a questionable sex scene between 007 and otherwise forgettable Bond girl Séverine (Bérénice Marlohe), where he comes onto her in a very forcible fashion. 2006's Casino Royale, meanwhile, had an emotional love story between Bond and Vesper Lynd (Eva Green) at its core. Its release was a huge risk for EON Productions, not only because Craig was unproven in the role at the time, but also because the decision was made to reboot in the series and start from scratch, disregarding the twenty previous films that ostensibly existed in the same overall narrative. This paid off, however, as audiences were shown a more raw version of Bond who developed over time, beginning with his first kills. Though 007 and his adversary Le Chiffre (Mads Mikkelsen) fight with poker chips rather than with guns, the film is still as action-packed as any other, but the ultimate highlight is Bond's relationship with Vesper, which is made all the more poignant by its tragic end in the film's conclusion. Few scenes are more powerful that seeing Bond hopelessly look on as Vesper voluntarily drowns behind a set of metal bars that he is powerless to pull apart, and though it is strange to see a vulnerable and broken 007, it makes him all the more human and relatable. The film that followed Casino Royale, Quantum Of Solace, was something of a dud, but Craig's debut outing kickstarted the franchise once more, allowing it to thrive in an environment where the likes of Jason Bourne have changed what the public wants from a spy movie. Spectre may well end up being his final turn in the role, but whoever follows will have some big shoes to fill.
