The Real Reason Daniel Craig Avoided Stunts In the Latest 'James Bond' Flick

It is no longer news that Daniel Craig has called it quits on the “James Bond” franchise. The actor ended his glorious reign as Britain’s super fictional spy with the last sequel titled “No Time To Die.”

All through his tenure, Craig was hell-bent on doing most of his stunts rather than leaving it all to the stuntmen. From jumping off skyscrapers, climbing mountains, and getting involved in high-speed car chases, the actor has seen and certainly done it all.

However, Craig had to bear the cross of his decision not to leave the stunt play to the professionals. Its repercussions came with a fair number of injuries, including fractures in different areas of his body.

However, in this new sequel, the actor changed his act. He decided to stay away from the dangerous stunts he had done all this while.

Here’s more on what prompted this new line of action.

Rachel Weisz, Craig’s wife, was not always in agreement with him performing his stunts. Her concerns stemmed from the impact each extra injury he sustained added to his already “broken body.”

When production for the new installment began, she had her fears alleviated when she made her hubby promise to do fewer stunts or straining physical actions.

A close source to the couple gave some insight to Weisz's view saying, “There’s a legacy to all these injuries, and she lies with them.”

“She had lost sleep and couldn’t bear seeing Craig having another go at the boxing ring,” the source added.

Craig being a man with strong family ties, acceded to her request. He understood that he won’t be James Bond forever and even though his character might seem invulnerable, in reality, his body has all the brunt to bear.

Ultimately, he wants her at peace with his career and not troubled about whether each new role he plays is a recipe for more injuries.

Retrospectively, Craig’s multiple reprisals of the James Bond role each came with its havoc on his body.

He currently holds the record for the longest-running incarnate of the British spy, having played the lead in five installments of the franchise, including “Casino Royale,” “Quantum of Solace,” “Skyfall,” “Spectre,” and his final chapter “No Time to Die.”

Throughout this period, he has torn the labrum in his right shoulder, ruptured both his calf muscles and his anterior cruciate ligament, among other small injuries.

This made rehab and multiple surgeries extremely necessary to get his body back into a functional state. Craig alluded to this saying, “I’ve knackered my knee and had surgery, I’ve had my right shoulder reconstructed, my other knee operated on, and my thumb got hurt.”

The numerous injuries that he has sustained made many ponder why he even considered reprising the Bond role in the coming sequel.

It partly took the convincing powers of producer Barbara Broccoli to bring the actor back. In addition, Craig's perfectionist character felt challenged to remedy the poor reviews the previous installment received.

A hunger roused within him to only leave the franchise amid much critical acclaim and not with a legacy that tailed off into the black books of history.

Asked how he feels now that the sequel has passed postproduction, the actor divulged that things are different this time.

“In terms of closing the story, the circle is complete now. It feels emotionally satisfying,” he told GQ in an interview.

Fans believe that Craig is a man of his word. They expect to see their minds blown when the sequel hits the big screens.

On social media, the same fans say that “No Time to Die” feels more like “No Time to Wait” as they eagerly await its premiere date.

With COVID-19 restrictions partly lifted, most cinemas are gearing up for the influx of viewers eager to see Craig’s last hurrah.

The producers of the Bond franchise have not revealed who would take over the reins or if this sequel also spells the end of the epochal franchise.

Time will tell; however, fans can revel in the promised thrills the sequel should bring when it hits the cinemas on October 8, 2021 in America.