The actor reflects on the toll of his iconic role as James Bond, revealing it left him feeling “empty” and mentally exhausted.

Daniel Craig has opened up about the emotional and physical toll his portrayal of James Bond had on him over the years. Having played the iconic spy in five films from 2006 to 2021, Craig admitted that the role left him drained, both mentally and physically. The actor shared that after completing each Bond movie, he often felt “empty” and emotionally exhausted.

In an interview with The Sunday Times, Craig explained that the immense success of the Bond franchise, along with the financial rewards, initially gave him the false impression that he would not need to seek out other roles. “Early on with Bond, I thought I had to do other work, but I didn’t. I was becoming a star, whatever that meant, and people wanted me in their films. Incredible,” Craig reflected.

Despite the fame and fortune, Craig revealed that being in demand for roles felt hollow. “Most actors are out of work for large chunks, so you take your job offers – but they left me empty. Then, bottom line, I got paid,” he said.

The physical and emotional strain of playing James Bond also took its toll. Craig admitted that he was often so exhausted after filming a Bond movie that it would take him up to six months to recover. “I was so exhausted at the end of a Bond it would take me six months to recover emotionally,” Craig explained. He added that during this period, he realised that “life must come first,” as the relentless focus on work had left him worn out.

Craig’s revelation sheds light on the intense pressures that come with playing such a high-profile and physically demanding role. As the character of Bond is known for being action-packed, requiring numerous stunts and intense sequences, it’s no surprise that the actor’s body and mind took a beating.

It is worth noting that Craig will not be reprising his role as James Bond in upcoming films, with the search for a new 007 already underway. His decision to step away from the role marks the end of an era for the iconic character, with fans eagerly awaiting the next phase of the Bond franchise.