Daniel Craig's James Bond Timeline Makes Zero Sense When You Actually Think About It

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Daniel Craig holding a gun in Skyfall

Daniel Craig’s James Bond timeline doesn’t make a ton of sense, because his 007 goes from an inexperienced rookie to a grizzled veteran in just a single movie. Craig was the first Bond actor to get a proper character arc. All the previous Bond actors had done a series of standalone movies and stopped when their contracts ran out. But Craig’s tenure told a complete story from beginning to end. It started with Bond’s origins in Casino Royale, showing how he became a 00 agent (and a cold-hearted killer), and ended with Bond’s death in No Time to Die.

But, while Craig’s Bond story is complete, it’s not perfect. It’s not half bad for the franchise’s first serious attempt at serialization in 50 years, but it’s not without a few flaws. Craig’s Bond tenure started off with a perfect opening and it culminated in a near-perfect ending, but the journey in between was pretty rocky. Quantum of Solace and Spectre were both deeply disappointing Bond movies, and while Skyfall was a terrific Bond film overall, it made the flow of Craig’s 007 arc feel disjointed.

Daniel Craig's James Bond Goes From Rookie To Grizzled Veteran Within 1 Movie

Quantum Of Solace Is About Bond Still Learning The Ropes, Then Skyfall Is About An Aging, Disillusioned Bond

Bond went from an inexperienced rookie still learning the ropes to a seasoned veteran contemplating retirement in just one movie. Casino Royale told 007’s origin story, then Quantum of Solace picked up right where it left off, with Mr. White in the trunk of Bond’s car. This meant that Craig’s Bond was a fresh-faced recruit for his first two movies. Then, in Craig’s third movie, Skyfall, Bond was suddenly a hardened pro.

Skyfall is about a grizzled, aging Bond who’s grown disillusioned with his job and isn’t sure he can do it anymore. After two rookie stories, that jump to “Old Man Bond” felt pretty jarring.

Skyfall is about a grizzled, aging Bond who’s grown disillusioned with his job and isn’t sure he can do it anymore. After two rookie stories, that jump to “Old Man Bond” felt pretty jarring. It seems as though there should’ve been another story to bridge the gap. Craig’s Bond needed another movie where he’d learned the ropes, gotten good at his job, and figured out the ins and outs of espionage before becoming cynical and preparing to hang up the tuxedo.

Quantum Of Solace Should've Been Set A Few Years After Casino Royale

Quantum Of Solace Should've Bridged The Gap Between Casino Royale & Skyfall

James Bond hanging from scaffolding in Quantum of Solace

Quantum of Solace should’ve been the movie that bridged the gap between rookie Bond in Casino Royale and grizzled veteran Bond in Skyfall. By setting Quantum of Solace right after Casino Royale, it meant that Craig’s 007 was a novice in his first two movies, so the jump to a seasoned Bond in the third one felt like a big leap. If Quantum of Solace was set a few years after Casino Royale, and James Bond had gotten more to grips with his job, then the transition to Skyfall’s Old Man Bond storyline would’ve been a lot smoother.

No Time to Die Film Poster
James Bond

The James Bond franchise follows the adventures of British secret agent 007 as he combats global threats. With a license to kill, Bond faces off against various villains and criminal organizations, employing high-tech gadgets, espionage, and charm. The series spans multiple films, featuring exotic locations, thrilling action sequences, and memorable characters. Bond's mission to protect the world and uphold justice remains central, making the franchise an enduring icon in the spy genre.

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