Daniel Craig: James Bond Is ‘Sexist And Misogynistic’

Daniel Craig’s James Bond is not as “sexist and misogynistic” as previous versions of the Ian Fleming character, when he returns in the much anticipated Spectre, opening in theaters this November.

A lot has been said about how James Bond uses women for his personal satisfaction, and in recent years, there has been increased pressure to adjust to the times. Most Bond girls are willing participants and will not put up much resistance when it comes to the suave British spy.

In a recent interview with British publication Esquire, to promote Spectre, Daniel Craig got really candid about how James Bond was stuck in the past and didn’t treat women very well. Craig admitted it’s a “delicate balance” to maintain the essence of what Fleming intended 007 to be, while keeping up with the times.

“Hopefully, my Bond is not as sexist and misogynistic as (earlier incarnations). The world has changed. I am certainly not that person. But he is, and so what does that mean? It means you cast great actresses and make the parts as good as you can for the women in the movies.”

Daniel Craig describes Bond as someone who carries “great sadness” with him, despite the seemingly glamorous life and the revolving door as far as women are concerned. The previous installment, Skyfall, was one of the most emotional James Bond’s, as its events deeply affect 007 personally.

“He’s very f***ing lonely. There’s a great sadness. He’s f***ing these beautiful women but then they leave and it’s… sad. And as a man gets older it’s not a good look. It might be a nice fantasy – that’s debatable – but the reality, after a couple of months…”

There is no question that James Bond has evolved as the movies enter the 21st century, and gone are the days when the women in the films were used as simply a pretty face and gorgeous bodies. Now, audiences expect more substance and, in general, want female characters with some backbone, even Bond girls.

Daniel Craig also talked about being reluctant when he was offered the James Bond role and confessed that only while doing Spectre began to feel more comfortable.

“You’re playing this very specific character and everybody starts looking at you in that way, and you’re like, ‘I’m not that.’ I did feel like, ‘I’ve got to look like I’m doing other stuff.’ But then it was, ‘Who for?’ So the public think, ‘Ooh, isn’t he versatile?”

What do you think of Daniel Craig’s James Bond comments?

[Photo by Greg Williams / Getty Images]