You might think that killing off the central character at the end of a film would cause a headache when planning the next film in a franchise - however, there are few franchises that are quite like James Bond.
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Daniel Craig's last film as the character, No Time to Die, was released in 2021, and it ended with Bond getting blown to smithereens in a missile strike.
However, Martin Campbell, who has previously helmed Bond films GoldenEye and Casino Royale, both of which introduced a new actor in the iconic role, has said that he thought the decision to kill the spy was "fine".
Speaking with Express.co.uk, he said: "To be honest, it was fine for me. He gets killed off, which is fine because when they do the next Bond, they’ll completely ignore the fact that he was killed off and Bond will keep going."
Martin Campbell. Sylvain Lefevre/Getty Images
He continued: "It’s so simple. There’s no explanation required is there? Daniel Craig was Bond and now the next guy is alive. They’re not going to have a problem with that."
Asked for his thoughts on No Time to Die, Campbell said: "I thought it was interesting. I mean I had mixed reactions to the film. I thought there was some very good stuff in it. I missed a little bit of the humour I think. Probably some of the stunts weren’t as imaginative as some of the other Bonds. But nevertheless, he made a terrific Bond, there’s no question about that."
When it comes to who will take on the role now that Craig has finished his run, it is still currently up in the air.
For his part, James Norton, whose name has frequently been mentioned as a possible contender for the part, has said that there is "nothing concrete behind" the rumours that he is up for the role.
Meanwhile, Rupert Friend, who was in contention to take on the role before Craig but stepped away from it because of his young age, has said that maybe he's "got the scars and the bruises now".
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James Hibbs is a Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering programmes across both streaming platforms and linear channels. He previously worked in PR, first for a B2B agency and subsequently for international TV production company Fremantle. He possesses a BA in English and Theatre Studies and an NCTJ Level 5 Diploma in Journalism.
