Daniel Craig Talks About the Performer Who Truly Blew Him Away
Daniel Craig is often linked to action movies and the James Bond name, but his career has always gone far beyond that. Long before and after 007, he has taken on roles that show his love for acting itself. Films like Layer Cake and Knives Out helped prove that he is drawn to strong characters and sharp writing, not just big franchises.
During the press run for Layer Cake in 2004, Craig spoke openly about how much working on the film meant to him. One of the biggest reasons was his time alongside the late Michael Gambon. Gambon played the powerful crime boss Eddie Temple, and his presence left a lasting impression on Craig.
In an interview with Groucho Reviews, Craig spoke with deep respect about Gambon and his background. He explained that Gambon came from a generation of actors who carried real weight and history, having worked alongside legends like Laurence Olivier. Even with all that classical training, Craig felt Gambon never seemed outdated.
Craig described Gambon as someone who felt completely current and alive on screen. He said the actor carried a raw emotional force that could be hard to look away from. According to Craig, watching Gambon work could be intense, calling his emotional depth shattering to watch sometimes, even in a crime film like Layer Cake.
One thing that surprised Craig most was Gambon’s approach on set. He revealed that many of Gambon’s lines in the movie were improvised. That unpredictability made every scene feel fresh. Craig said that acting never felt like work for Gambon, adding it’s playtime for him and it’s magical to watch.
Even though they worked together on film, Craig made it clear that Gambon truly belonged on the stage. He encouraged people to see him perform live, saying it was impossible to watch him in a theater when he was at his best and not fall completely for him. To Craig, Gambon was not just talented but unforgettable as a person.
Today, Craig has fully stepped into a new phase of his career after leaving Bond behind. He recently earned major awards attention for his role in Luca Guadagnino’s Queer, which brought him Golden Globe and SAG Award nominations. He also returned as Benoit Blanc in the third Knives Out film, Wake Up Dead Man, which arrived on Netflix in late 2025.
Looking ahead, Craig is moving into fantasy with a major role in Greta Gerwig’s upcoming film, Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew. The movie has finished filming and is set for release in November through theaters and Netflix.
Craig’s admiration for actors like Michael Gambon shows how much he values the craft itself. Even now, his choices suggest he is more interested in meaningful work than safe roles.
