Daniel Craig explains why he wouldn’t have taken on 'Queer' role during his time as James Bond

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Daniel Craig has revealed why he could not have taken on the role of William Lee in Luca Guadagnino’s 'Queer' during his tenure as James Bond.

In a candid interview with The Times, the actor explained that playing a gay character in 'Queer' while embodying the iconic British spy might have been perceived as a "reactionary" move.

Daniel Craig's switch from James Bond to 'Queer'

Speaking about the difference in portrayal of characters, Daniel Craig said, “I couldn’t have done this while doing Bond."

“It would look reactionary, like I was showing my range,” he added.

The actor clarified that his decision was not rooted in fear or hesitation but rather a desire to avoid inflaming discussions about the portrayal of masculinity, which already surrounded his work as Bond.

In 'Queer', based on William S Burroughs’ semi-autobiographical 1985 novella, Craig stars as William Lee, an American expatriate navigating his obsession with Eugene Allerton, a discharged US Navy serviceman played by Drew Starkey.

Daniel Craig's emotional toll from James Bond films

Reflecting on his time as James Bond, Daniel Craig shared that the demands of the franchise left him little space for other challenging roles.

“Early on with Bond, I thought I had to do other work, but I didn’t. I was becoming a star, whatever that means, and people wanted me in their films,” he said.

However, he admitted the work left him feeling “empty” despite its glamour.

Craig, who portrayed Bond in five films between 2006’s 'Casino Royale' and 2021’s 'No Time to Die', disclosed that each installment took a significant emotional toll on him.

“I was so exhausted at the end of a Bond, it would take me six months to recover emotionally,” he revealed.

His grueling schedule often left him struggling to prioritize his personal life.

“I always had the attitude that life must come first, and when work came first for a while, it strung me out,” he admitted.

Daniel Craig steers clear of controversy

Daniel Craig addressed the idea that playing a gay man during his James Bond era might have sparked unnecessary conversations about masculinity.

“It’s just not a conversation I wanted. I had it all the way through Bond anyway,” he said, referring to the debates surrounding the character’s identity and evolution.

“Life’s too short,” he added, according to The Independent.

The film marks a significant departure from the action-packed Bond films for Craig.

Since stepping down as Bond in 2021, Craig has embraced various roles, including his comedic turn as detective Benoit Blanc in the 'Knives Out' series.

Three years after his final Bond outing, the search for his successor continues.