James Bondis one of the most coveted roles in the industry, with only six actors playing the part in the official film series. With such a limited number of performers spread across six decades, you might expect that each of them would have had a very different journey to “00” status. However, closer inspection reveals that the two most modernBonds, Daniel Craig and Pierce Brosnan, had a surprisingly similar path to taking on the part.
Daniel Craig and Pierce Brosnan presented very different versions of the iconic secret agent. Where Brosnan was unfailingly suave, Craig brought a rugged realism and genuine darkness to the character. Brosnan’s movies were often criticized for their over-the-top gadgets and improbable storylines, whileCraig’s worst Bond momentstypically came when the movies took themselves too seriously. In many ways, they represent opposite ends of the Bond spectrum. However, despite bringing very different energies to the character,both Brosnan and Craig shared a common acting backstory that led to their most famous role.
Both Craig And Brosnan Appeared In British Gangster Movies Before Bond
The Long Good Friday And Layer Cake Are Classics
While young actors typically take on a multitude of unconventional roles, it is notable that Brosnan and Craig both got their breakthroughs by appearing in similar types of movies. In 1980, a youngPierce Brosnan made his screen debutin the gangster thriller,The Long Good Friday, opposite the likes of Helen Mirren and Bob Hoskins. Despite his character not having an official name in the credits, his performance as an IRA operative was enough to earn him recognition – launching his career and leading to his performance as Bond inGoldenEyein 1995.
Meanwhile,in the early 21st century, Daniel Craig was an up-and-coming actorwho had a handful of notable credits to his name. This all changed, however, withLayer Cake– a 2004 gangster movie that propelled Craig to superstardom and is widely credited with being the role that secured him Bond, two years later. BothLayer CakeandThe Long Good Fridayhave since been hailed as seminal British gangster movies, meaning that the gangster genre has played a central role in shaping the professional fortunes of the past two James Bond actors.
Craig’s Layer Cake Role Was More Significant Than Brosnan’s Long Good Friday Part
It Was A Much Bigger Role
The fact that both Brosnan and Craig appeared in gangster movies before becoming James Bond is somewhat ironic – given which side of the law the MI6 operative usually operates. However, while both actors can pinpoint this time in their careers as a major moment,it’s important to acknowledge that there are some differences. In Brosnan’s case,The Long Good Fridaycame right at the beginning of his career. While he would likely never have gained the widespread recognition that led to his Bond casting had the movie not opened the requisite doors, there is not an unbroken thread connecting Bond and the 1980 film.
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By contrast, the link betweenLayer CakeandCasino Royaleis much clearer. Not only was Craig’s role in the 2004 movie much more prominent than Brosnan’s (he was the main protagonist, rather than a minor cameo), but it came just two years beforeCasino Royalerelaunched the franchise. While Craig made several other notable appearances in projects likeEnduring LoveandMunich, it is widely acknowledged thathis performance inLayer Cakeis what persuaded Bond’s producers to cast him. Nevertheless, the fact that both Brosnan and Craig cut their teeth in the gangster genre is significant, revealing a surprising amount about the Bond franchise.
Why Layer Cake And The Long Good Friday Were Ideal Bond Preparation
There Is Some Surprising Overlap
As perhaps the definitive fictional member of the British security services, it might seem strange to suggest that James Bond shares some traits with nefarious gangsters. However, looking at his track record in the franchise – as well as what Brosnan and Craig specifically brought to their interpretations – it becomes clear thatthere is some uncomfortable overlap. Part of what makes Bond so beguiling, for instance, is his willingness to go against the status quo when the mission demands it. Its a renegade quality that many on the other side of the law would recognize.
Likewise, there’s the undeniable reality that Bond’s job requires him to do some pretty dark things. BothCraig and Brosnan’s Bonds carry out expertly choreographed hitswithout flinching – a skill that speaks to a latent sociopathy that the series doesn’t always explore. Whether it’s IRA agents or drug dealers, this is a quality that criminals also need. The fact that both Brosnan and Craig had explored the darker side of the spectrum before becomingJames Bondperhaps gives their portrayals an edge that previous performers might have lacked.
