Daniel Craig: Charting a Post-007 Career and the Future of James Bond
BERLIN, 21 January 2026 – Daniel Craig, the British actor who redefined James Bond for a generation, has long since hung up his tuxedo and silenced the Walther PPK. His final outing as 007, No Time to Die, was released in 2021. Yet, far from fading into retirement, Craig’s career has entered a new, critically acclaimed phase, anchored by his role as the genteel detective Benoit Blanc in Rian Johnson’s Knives Out series.
A Career in Two Acts
Craig’s tenure as Bond, spanning five films from 2006’s Casino Royale to 2021’s No Time to Die, was marked by a gritty, physical realism that modernised the character. It earned him widespread praise and solidified his status as one of the most definitive actors to portray the role. Since stepping away from MI6, Craig has deliberately chosen roles that subvert his action-hero image, showcasing a comedic range and dramatic depth that had often been overlooked.
The Blanc Era and Upcoming Projects
The Knives Out franchise, acquired by Netflix in a landmark deal, has become a cultural phenomenon in its own right. The third instalment, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, was released in 2025 to strong reviews. Craig will reprise his role as Benoit Blanc in a third film, Wake Up Dead Man, currently in pre-production.
Looking further ahead, Craig is confirmed to star as Uncle Andrew in Greta Gerwig’s Netflix adaptation of C.S. Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia, titled Narnia, scheduled for release on 26 November 2026.
Key Facts & Upcoming Projects
| Project | Role / Details |
|---|---|
| Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery | Third film as detective Benoit Blanc. Released in 2025. |
| Narnia | Role of Uncle Andrew in Greta Gerwig’s adaptation for Netflix. Release scheduled for 26 November 2026. |
| Untitled Damien Chazelle Thriller | Starring alongside Cillian Murphy and Dave Bautista. Details remain under wraps. |
| Two for the Money | Apple Studios heist thriller co-starring Charlize Theron. Directed by Justin Lin (Fast & Furious). In pre-production. |
The Future of 007: A New Era Begins
While Craig has firmly closed the book on his time as Bond, the character he helped redefine is entering a new era. In February 2025, Amazon MGM Studios announced it had acquired creative control of the James Bond franchise from the Broccoli family, marking the end of a 60-year dynasty. The studio paid an estimated $1 billion for the rights.
A new creative team has been assembled to shepherd the next iteration of 007. Acclaimed director Denis Villeneuve (Dune, Arrival) was confirmed to direct the 26th Bond film in June 2025. He will be working from a script by Steven Knight, creator of Peaky Blinders. The film is currently in early development, with a tentative release window set for 2027.
The search for the eighth actor to portray James Bond is underway and is expected to be one of the most closely watched casting decisions in modern cinema. Amazon MGM Studios has indicated it is seeking a younger actor, likely in his thirties, to commit to a long-term future for the franchise.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Daniel Craig’s most famous role?
Daniel Craig is globally recognised for his portrayal of James Bond, which he played from 2006 to 2021 across five films: Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace, Skyfall, Spectre, and No Time to Die.
What is the status of the next James Bond film?
As of January 2026, the next James Bond film is in early development. Director Denis Villeneuve is attached, with a script by Steven Knight. The search for a new actor to portray 007 is ongoing, with a release date anticipated for 2027.
Who will be the next James Bond?
No official announcement has been made. The casting process is being conducted by Amazon MGM Studios, which now holds creative control of the franchise. Speculation and media reports suggest the studio is seeking a younger actor, likely in his thirties, to commit to a long-term future for the series.
What are Daniel Craig’s upcoming film projects?
Craig’s confirmed upcoming projects include a third Knives Out film, Wake Up Dead Man, and a starring role in Greta Gerwig’s adaptation of The Chronicles of Narnia for Netflix, scheduled for release in late 2026.