Daniel Craig’s Career: From ‘The Power of One’ to ‘Queer’

Daniel Craig is a British actor who has become one of the most respected and recognizable stars in the world. He began his career on the stage before moving into television and film, where he quickly gained a reputation as a talented and versatile performer. His early work was marked by a series of intense and complex roles in independent films and historical dramas, which showcased his incredible range and screen presence.

Craig’s career reached a new level of fame when he was cast as the iconic secret agent James Bond, a role he would redefine for a new generation. While the Bond films made him a global superstar, he continued to seek out challenging and diverse projects, from crime thrillers and science fiction to quirky comedies and murder mysteries. His ability to balance a massive franchise with a compelling body of other work has solidified his status as a major international star.

‘The Power of One’ (1992)

Daniel Craig made his feature film debut in ‘The Power of One’. The movie is a historical drama set in South Africa during the era of apartheid. It follows the life of an English boy who, through his experiences, becomes a symbol of hope. Craig played Sergeant Jaapie Botha, a vicious and racist Afrikaner soldier who serves as one of the film’s primary antagonists.

For his very first film role, Craig took on a dark and hateful character. His performance was menacing and intense, making a strong impression despite the character’s villainy. It was a powerful start that immediately demonstrated his willingness to play challenging and unsympathetic parts.

‘A Kid in King Arthur’s Court’ (1995)

In the family-friendly adventure film ‘A Kid in King Arthur’s Court’, Craig played Master Kane. The movie is a lighthearted Disney comedy about a modern-day Southern California teenager who is transported back in time to the legendary kingdom of Camelot. Master Kane is the villain of the story, a knight who schemes to take over the throne.

This role was a significant departure from his dramatic debut, placing him in a broad family comedy. He played the scheming antagonist with comedic flair, showcasing a different side of his acting abilities. It was an early example of his versatility and willingness to work in various genres.

‘Obsession’ (1997)

Craig starred in the thriller ‘Obsession’. The film is a dark and complex story about two men who become entangled in a destructive relationship with the same woman. Craig played John McHale, a working-class man who helps his new friend get revenge on his unfaithful partner, leading to tragic consequences.

This was a leading role in a German-language film that allowed him to explore a morally ambiguous and intense character. His performance was a key part of the movie’s tense and psychological atmosphere. The role continued to build his reputation as a powerful dramatic actor.

‘Love & Rage’ (2000)

In the historical drama ‘Love and Rage’, Craig played James Lynchehaun. Based on a true story, the film is set in late 19th-century Ireland. He portrayed a charismatic but dangerous land agent who seduces a wealthy Englishwoman, leading to a volatile and ultimately violent relationship.

This was another leading role that required an intense and complex performance. Craig captured the character’s charm as well as his menacing and manipulative nature. The role showcased his ability to play complicated anti-heroes in period settings.

‘Elizabeth’ (1998)

Craig had a supporting role as John Ballard in the acclaimed historical drama ‘Elizabeth’. The film tells the story of the early years of Queen Elizabeth I’s reign in England. John Ballard is a Jesuit priest and assassin who becomes a central figure in a Catholic conspiracy to overthrow the Protestant queen.

Although a smaller part, appearing in a prestigious and award-winning film was a significant career move. He delivered a powerful and fanatical performance as the determined conspirator. The role placed him in a high-profile film with a celebrated international cast.

‘Love Is the Devil: Study for a Portrait of Francis Bacon’ (1998)

In ‘Love Is the Devil’, Craig played George Dyer, the lover and muse of the famous and controversial British artist Francis Bacon. The film is a biographical drama that explores the turbulent and often destructive relationship between the two men. Dyer was a small-time criminal who became the subject of many of Bacon’s most famous paintings.

This was a challenging and emotionally raw role that earned Craig significant critical praise. He brilliantly portrayed Dyer’s vulnerability and his tragic descent into despair. The performance was a powerful and fearless piece of acting that solidified his status as a major talent in British cinema.

‘The Trench’ (1999)

Craig starred as Sergeant Telford Winter in ‘The Trench’. The film takes place in the 48 hours leading up to the Battle of the Somme in World War I. The story focuses on a small group of young British soldiers as they wait in the trenches, contemplating their fears and their impending fate.

As the weary and respected sergeant, Craig anchored the film with a commanding and compassionate performance. He portrayed the immense burden of leadership and the psychological toll of war. It was a powerful lead role in a tense and claustrophobic historical drama.

‘Some Voices’ (2000)

In ‘Some Voices’, Craig played Ray, a man with schizophrenia who is released from a psychiatric hospital into the care of his devoted brother. The film follows Ray as he tries to readjust to life in London and begins a passionate but unstable romance, all while struggling with his mental illness.

This leading role was a tour de force performance that earned him critical acclaim. Craig delivered a sensitive, charismatic, and heartbreaking portrayal of a man battling a severe mental health condition. The role is considered one of the best and most challenging of his early career.

‘Hotel Splendide’ (2000)

Craig appeared in the quirky black comedy ‘Hotel Splendide’. The film is set at a gloomy and bizarre island health spa that is run by a strange family. Craig played Ronald Blanche, the handsome head chef who is secretly in love with one of the family members.

The film was a surreal and eccentric ensemble piece. The role allowed Craig to showcase his comedic talents and play a more charming and romantic character. It was another example of his willingness to work on unconventional and offbeat projects.

‘I Dreamed of Africa’ (2000)

In the biographical drama ‘I Dreamed of Africa’, Craig played Declan Fielding. The film is based on the true story of a socialite who leaves her life in Italy to move to rural Kenya with her new husband. Declan is a rugged and experienced game warden who befriends the couple.

The supporting role placed Craig in a major studio production with a big star. He played a charming and capable character, bringing a sense of warmth and authenticity to the part.

‘Lara Croft: Tomb Raider’ (2001)

Craig co-starred as Alex West in ‘Lara Croft: Tomb Raider’. The film is a blockbuster action-adventure based on the popular video game series. Alex West is a rival adventurer and treasure hunter who has a complicated and competitive relationship with Lara Croft.

This role in a massive international hit brought Craig to the attention of a much wider, mainstream audience. He played the charismatic and morally ambiguous rival with charm and swagger. The film’s success was a major step in his transition to becoming a Hollywood star.

‘Ten Minutes Older: The Cello’ (2002)

In the anthology film ‘Ten Minutes Older: The Cello’, Craig starred in the segment titled “Addicted to the Stars.” The film is a collection of short films by acclaimed directors, all exploring the theme of time. Craig played Cecil Thomas, an astronaut on a mission in deep space.

His segment is a quiet and contemplative science-fiction story. The role required a subtle and internal performance, as his character reflects on his life back on Earth. Working with a respected international director on this artistic project showcased his commitment to diverse filmmaking.

‘Road to Perdition’ (2002)

In ‘Road to Perdition’, Craig played Connor Rooney, the volatile and jealous son of a powerful Irish mob boss. The film is a stylish crime drama set during the Great Depression. Connor’s reckless actions set off a chain of events that leads to a violent war between his father and his most loyal enforcer.

Craig was terrifying and pathetic as the insecure and murderous Connor. His performance as the film’s primary antagonist was a standout in a movie filled with legendary actors. The role proved he could be a powerful and memorable villain in a major American film.

‘Sylvia’ (2003)

In the biographical drama ‘Sylvia’, Craig played the celebrated poet Ted Hughes. The film chronicles the passionate and tumultuous relationship between Hughes and the American poet and novelist Sylvia Plath. The story follows their romance, marriage, and eventual tragic end.

Playing such a famous and controversial literary figure was a major challenge. Craig delivered a complex and nuanced performance, capturing both the charisma and the darker aspects of Ted Hughes’ personality. He had great chemistry with his co-star in this powerful and emotional drama.

‘The Mother’ (2003)

Craig starred in the drama ‘The Mother’. He played Darren, a younger handyman who is having an affair with a recently widowed woman who is twice his age. The film is a raw and honest look at a taboo relationship and the complexities of grief and desire.

His performance was praised for its realism and emotional honesty. He played a complex character who is both a source of comfort and a catalyst for conflict. The role in the critically acclaimed British film was another example of his fearless and challenging work.

‘Layer Cake’ (2004)

Craig starred as the unnamed protagonist, known as XXXX, in the stylish British crime thriller ‘Layer Cake’. He played a cool and sophisticated London drug dealer who is planning to retire from the criminal underworld. Before he can get out, he is drawn into one last, dangerous job by his powerful boss.

This lead role was a major turning point in his career. His performance as the smooth, intelligent, and tough protagonist was incredibly charismatic and cool. Many believe that this role was the one that convinced the James Bond producers that he was the right man for the part.

‘Enduring Love’ (2004)

In the psychological thriller ‘Enduring Love’, Craig played Joe. He is a university professor whose life is thrown into chaos after he witnesses a tragic hot-air balloon accident. One of the other men at the scene develops a dangerous obsession with him, and his life begins to unravel.

Craig gave a powerful performance as a rational man who is pushed to the edge of his sanity. He perfectly captured the character’s growing fear and paranoia. The role in the intense and unsettling film was another critical success for him.

‘The Jacket’ (2005)

In the psychological thriller ‘The Jacket’, Craig played Rudy Mackenzie. The film is about a Gulf War veteran who, after being wrongly institutionalized, becomes the subject of a bizarre experiment that sends his consciousness into the future. Craig’s character is a fellow patient at the asylum.

The supporting role was a memorable and eccentric part in the mind-bending film. He played a strange and unpredictable character, adding to the movie’s surreal and disorienting atmosphere.

‘Fateless’ (2005)

Craig had a small role as an American soldier in the Hungarian historical drama ‘Fateless’. The film is based on a Nobel Prize-winning novel and tells the story of a young Jewish boy’s experiences in Nazi concentration camps during the Holocaust.

Although his appearance was brief, his role as a liberating American sergeant was a symbol of hope at the end of the harrowing story. His participation in the acclaimed international film showed his commitment to important and powerful filmmaking, regardless of the size of the part.

‘Munich’ (2005)

In Steven Spielberg’s historical drama ‘Munich’, Craig played Steve, a South African driver and getaway expert. He is part of a secret Israeli squad tasked with hunting down and assassinating the terrorists responsible for the 1972 Munich Olympics massacre.

Craig was a standout in the film’s incredible ensemble cast. He brought a sense of cool professionalism and quiet intensity to his role as the team’s toughest and most pragmatic member. The part in the prestigious, award-nominated film further raised his international profile.

‘Infamous’ (2006)

Craig played the real-life killer Perry Smith in ‘Infamous’. The film tells the story of how author Truman Capote researched and wrote his groundbreaking true-crime novel, “In Cold Blood.” The story focuses on the complex relationship that developed between Capote and the two convicted murderers.

Craig delivered a sensitive and haunting performance as Perry Smith. He captured the character’s intelligence, vulnerability, and capacity for violence. The role was another powerful and critically praised dramatic turn.

‘Casino Royale’ (2006)

Craig made his debut as James Bond in ‘Casino Royale’. The film rebooted the iconic franchise, showing a younger, rawer, and more emotional Bond at the very beginning of his career as a 00 agent. His first mission is to bankrupt a terrorist financier in a high-stakes poker game.

The casting of Craig was initially controversial, but his performance was a massive critical and commercial success. He was praised for bringing a new level of grit, physicality, and emotional depth to the character. The film was a triumph that successfully reinvented the legendary spy for the 21st century.

‘The Invasion’ (2007)

In the science-fiction thriller ‘The Invasion’, Craig played Ben Driscoll. The film is a remake of ‘Invasion of the Body Snatchers’, about an alien epidemic that takes over human beings while they sleep. Ben is a doctor who helps a psychiatrist try to protect her son, who may hold the key to stopping the invasion.

The role saw Craig as the heroic partner in a high-stakes thriller. He co-starred with another major Hollywood star in this tense and suspenseful film. It was a solid genre piece that continued his run of major studio films.

‘The Golden Compass’ (2007)

In the fantasy epic ‘The Golden Compass’, Craig played Lord Asriel. Based on the acclaimed novel, the film is set in a parallel universe where people’s souls exist outside their bodies as animal companions called daemons. Lord Asriel is a powerful and mysterious explorer who is the uncle of the film’s young heroine.

Craig brought a sense of authority and gravitas to the enigmatic and ambitious character. Although his role was small, Lord Asriel is a hugely important figure in the story’s mythology. The part placed him in another big-budget fantasy franchise.

‘Flashbacks of a Fool’ (2008)

Craig starred in and executive produced the drama ‘Flashbacks of a Fool’. He played Joe Scot, a hedonistic and washed-up Hollywood actor whose life is in a downward spiral. The sudden death of his childhood best friend forces him to return to his English seaside hometown and confront his tragic past.

This was a deeply personal project for Craig. The lead role allowed him to explore a character who is broken, regretful, and searching for redemption. His performance was raw and emotional in this poignant and reflective film.

‘Quantum of Solace’ (2008)

Craig reprised his role as James Bond in ‘Quantum of Solace’. The film picks up immediately after the events of ‘Casino Royale’, with a grief-stricken and vengeful Bond on a mission to uncover the mysterious organization responsible for the death of his love, Vesper Lynd.

The sequel was a more action-heavy and fast-paced adventure. Craig continued to portray a more brutal and emotionally driven version of the character, driven by revenge. The film was another massive box office success, cementing his status as the definitive modern Bond.

‘Defiance’ (2008)

In the historical war drama ‘Defiance’, Craig played Tuvia Bielski. The film tells the incredible true story of the Bielski partisans, a group of Jewish brothers who escaped the Holocaust and established a hidden community in the forests of Belarus, saving over 1,200 Jews from the Nazis.

Craig gave a powerful and commanding performance as the pragmatic leader who was responsible for the survival of his people. The role of the reluctant hero who is forced to make impossible decisions was a perfect fit for his talents. It was another acclaimed dramatic role in a powerful historical film.

‘Cowboys & Aliens’ (2011)

Craig starred as Jake Lonergan in the sci-fi Western ‘Cowboys & Aliens’. He played a mysterious outlaw with amnesia who wanders into a desert town in the Old West. The town is soon attacked by alien spacecraft, and he must team up with the local cattle baron to fight back.

The film was a high-concept summer blockbuster that blended two classic genres. Craig was perfectly cast as the strong, silent, and tough-as-nails hero, a modern version of the classic Western gunslinger. He convincingly anchored the film’s wild and action-packed premise.

‘Dream House’ (2011)

In the psychological thriller ‘Dream House’, Craig played Will Atenton. He is a successful publisher who quits his job to move his family to a quaint New England town. They soon discover that their new home was the scene of a horrific murder, and Will begins to uncover a terrifying mystery that hits closer to home than he could ever imagine.

The film is known for its major plot twist, which completely changes the story’s direction. Craig’s performance required him to portray a character whose entire reality is turned upside down. The movie was a tense and atmospheric thriller.

‘The Adventures of Tintin’ (2011)

In the animated adventure ‘The Adventures of Tintin’, Craig provided the motion capture performance for two characters: the villainous Ivan Ivanovitch Sakharine and his ancestor, the legendary pirate Red Rackham. The film, directed by Steven Spielberg, is a swashbuckling adventure based on the classic comic book series.

Playing both the modern villain and the historical pirate allowed Craig to showcase his versatility. His performance was a key part of the film’s thrilling and action-packed story. The movie was a critical and commercial success, celebrated for its stunning animation and classic adventure spirit.

‘The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo’ (2011)

Craig starred as Mikael Blomkvist in the American adaptation of ‘The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo’. He played a disgraced investigative journalist who is hired by a wealthy industrialist to solve a 40-year-old murder mystery. He teams up with a brilliant but deeply troubled computer hacker to uncover the dark secrets of a wealthy family.

Craig was perfectly cast as the determined and world-weary journalist. The film was a dark, stylish, and critically acclaimed thriller. His performance was a grounded and intelligent anchor for the film’s intense and often brutal story.

‘Skyfall’ (2012)

Craig returned for his third film as James Bond in ‘Skyfall’. In this installment, Bond’s loyalty to M is tested when her past comes back to haunt her. After a mission goes wrong and Bond is presumed dead, he must return to active duty to hunt down a brilliant and dangerous cyberterrorist with a personal connection to M.

‘Skyfall’ was a massive critical and commercial success, becoming one of the highest-grossing films of all time. It was praised for its stunning visuals, emotional depth, and for delving deeper into Bond’s own history. Craig’s performance was celebrated for its blend of toughness and vulnerability, and the film is often considered one of the best in the entire franchise.

‘Spectre’ (2015)

In his fourth outing as James Bond, ‘Spectre’, Craig’s character receives a cryptic message from his past. The message sends him on a mission to uncover the existence of a sinister global criminal organization known as Spectre. As he gets closer to the truth, he discovers a chilling connection between himself and the organization’s enigmatic leader.

The film aimed to connect all of Craig’s previous Bond films, creating a single overarching narrative. It featured classic Bond elements like a formidable henchman and a global conspiracy. The movie was another huge box office hit, continuing the incredible success of his era as the iconic spy.

‘Logan Lucky’ (2017)

In the heist comedy ‘Logan Lucky’, Craig played the eccentric and explosive safecracker Joe Bang. The film is about two brothers who plan to rob the Charlotte Motor Speedway during a major NASCAR race. To pull off the heist, they need to break Joe Bang out of prison for a single afternoon.

Craig’s performance was a hilarious and transformative supporting role. He was completely unrecognizable as the bleach-blond, heavily tattooed, and gleefully unhinged demolitions expert. The role was a critical and fan favorite, showcasing his incredible comedic talent and range.

‘Kings’ (2017)

In the drama ‘Kings’, Craig played Obie Hardison. The film is set in South Central Los Angeles in the weeks leading up to the 1992 riots that followed the Rodney King verdict. Obie is one of the few white residents in his neighborhood and a friend to a local foster mother who is trying to protect her children.

The film was a powerful and ambitious look at a volatile moment in American history. Craig’s character is a reclusive writer who is forced out of his shell by the events unfolding around him. It was a serious dramatic role in a film that tackled important social issues.

‘Knives Out’ (2019)

Craig introduced a new iconic character to audiences as Detective Benoit Blanc in the murder mystery ‘Knives Out’. When a wealthy crime novelist is found dead, the eccentric and brilliant Blanc is mysteriously hired to investigate. He must sift through the lies and secrets of the deceased’s dysfunctional family to find the truth.

His performance as the gentlemanly Southern detective with a sharp mind and a folksy charm was a comedic delight. The film was a massive critical and commercial success, earning widespread praise for its clever script and brilliant ensemble cast. The role launched a new and beloved mystery franchise for Craig.

‘No Time to Die’ (2021)

Craig made his fifth and final appearance as James Bond in ‘No Time to Die’. In the film, Bond has left active service and is enjoying a quiet life. His peace is short-lived when an old friend from the CIA turns up asking for help, leading him on the trail of a mysterious villain armed with a dangerous new technology.

The film served as a definitive and emotional conclusion to Craig’s entire five-film story arc. It was a massive box office success and was praised by critics for providing a fitting and epic farewell to his version of the character. The movie was a powerful end to a transformational era for the James Bond franchise.

‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’ (2022)

Craig reprised his role as Detective Benoit Blanc in ‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’. In this sequel, Blanc travels to a private Greek island to solve a new mystery involving a tech billionaire and his eclectic group of friends. A fun murder-mystery party game turns deadly, and Blanc must once again uncover the truth.

The sequel was another huge hit for Netflix, praised for its witty script, beautiful location, and clever twists. Craig was once again brilliant as the charming and observant detective, cementing Benoit Blanc as one of the great modern cinematic sleuths. His performance was the delightful center of the successful new franchise.

‘Queer’ (2024)

In the film ‘Queer’, Craig played the lead role of Lee. Based on the novel by William S. Burroughs, the story follows an expatriate American living in Mexico City who is aimless and insecure. He becomes infatuated with a discharged American Navy serviceman, a pursuit that takes him on a journey through the city’s surreal and often dark underworld.

This role in a literary adaptation from an acclaimed director was a bold and artistic choice. It allowed Craig to explore a complex and vulnerable character, a significant departure from his more heroic roles. The part demonstrated his continued commitment to challenging, character-driven filmmaking.

From a gritty James Bond to a charming Southern detective, which Daniel Craig role do you find the most iconic?