Ranking Every James Bond Opening Scene From Worst To Best

Introducing a new 007 is never an easy task, but having to introduce a new actor while simultaneously rebooting the entire franchise is especially difficult.

Enter Martin Campbell, director of Casino Royale. In addition proving Daniel Craig's worth to skeptical audiences, Campbell also had to assert the new tone of the Bond series. After the outrageousness of Die Another Day, the producers took a more grounded approach for the next film, and Campbell successfully established the gritty and realistic tone of Casino Royale in its amazing opening scene.

This is the only scene in the history of the Bond series shot in black and white, and this creative decision adequately conveys how this is the youngest James Bond we have ever seen. The scene depicts Bond killing two men, traitorous Mi6 agent Dryden and his terrorist contact, in order to earn his license to kill and become a 00-agent. Bond's brutal bathroom brawl against Dryden's contact is incredibly suspenseful and thrilling, but his exchange with Dryden himself is even more engaging.

When Dryden pulls a gun on James only to discover he already took the ammunition, Bond doesn't respond with a witty one-liner, but rather simply states "I know where you keep your gun." This simple moment was a fabulous decision as it subtly displays how Casino Royale is a fresh take on the beloved character. Similarly, James' lack of hesitation when killing Dryden establishes this darker take on 007.

The entire opening scene of Casino Royale culminates in the satisfying reinterpretation of the classic gun-barrel sequence. Incorporating the gun-barrel into the narrative cleverly reassures fans that this is still the James Bond they know and love.