James Bond: Why Casino Royale Rebooted The 007 Franchise

3. The Problem With Making Casino Royale

Casino Royale had been remarked as a difficult film to make even before it was made. At that point, it was the last of Ian Fleming’s original novels to be adapted even though it was the first instalment in the series. Quentin Tarantino had considered directing the movie, citing that he wanted it to be set in the 1960s, closer to the time period the novel was set in. Also, Tarantino mentioned that he would’ve casted Brosnan as Bond. He never assumed the role as director and Martin Campbell was responsible for the movie’s creation instead.

Daniel Craig was not a particularly well received Bond after it was announced that he would be stepping up as the secret agent. Newspapers such as the Daily Mirror produced a front-page article titled The Name’s Bland – James Bland in reference to his physical appearance. The producers had not only rebooted the franchise, but the actor too. Craig did not conform the stereotypical conventions of what constituted James Bond. He was shorter than the previous actors, many viewed him as unattractive and his short blond hair was the main source of controversy surrounding the casting. Like the movie itself, the producers had rebooted the character too.

This didn’t stop Craig from delivering a compelling and natural performance as Casino Royale was released to critical acclaim amongst casual viewers, long time Bond fans and the media who praised both Craig’s portrayal and the bold transition from a dying formula to a new and invigorating story that held up alongside the newer action movies of the time.

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