Daniel Craig Dismisses ‘Gay James Bond’ Question at Venice Press Conference

Daniel Craig addressed a question about James Bond’s sexuality during a discussion at the Venice Film Festival for his gay drama, Queer.

During a press conference on Tuesday, September 3, Craig was asked, along with director Luca Guadagnino, whether the iconic British spy character could be depicted as gay. The inquiry also touched on the casting of Craig for Queer.

Guadagnino responded to the question, noting, "Guys, let’s be adults in the room for a second. There is no way around the fact that nobody would ever know James Bond’s desires, period." This comment drew laughter from Craig and the audience. Guadagnino emphasized, "Now, the important thing is that he does his missions properly," eliciting more laughter and another response chuckle from Craig. Guadagnino lovingly patted Craig on the head, adding, "Darling, I adore you."

Craig has played James Bond in five films between 2006 and 2021, ending his tenure with No Time To Die in 2021. The next actor to portray 007 has yet to be announced by Eon Productions, the company behind the James Bond series.

Craig and Guadagnino teamed up for Queer, in which Craig’s character finds a romantic connection with a younger partner, played by Drew Starkey, in 1950s Mexico City. The film’s story is based on the festival’s synopsis.

Interestingly, another prominent character played by Craig, detective Benoit Blanc from the Knives Out series, was depicted as gay in the 2022 film Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery.

Guadagnino expressed his admiration for Craig during the press conference, stating, "I have been an admirer of this gentleman for a long time despite his looks and [his prestige] and I had this intuition that I suffocated within me." Initially, Guadagnino doubted that Craig would accept the offer to star in Queer.

"I’m pragmatic — you have to make movies, you cannot daydream," Guadagnino said regarding Craig’s casting. He recounted how a colleague suggested considering Craig for the role, leading to a definitive "yes" from Craig. "He’s one of the greatest actors and it’s a privilege to work with someone like him," added Guadagnino.

Source: PEOPLE