007 Author Claims ‘No Time to Die’ Killing of Bond Was a Mistake
LONDON – Celebrated 007 novelist Anthony Horowitz believes the decision to kill off Daniel Craig’s James Bond in No Time to Die was a misstep, despite acknowledging the character’s enduring nature. Horowitz, known for successfully capturing ian Fleming‘s original style in his own Bond continuations like With a mind to Kill, suggests the dramatic ending wasn’t necessary and potentially complicated the franchise’s future, particularly following its acquisition by amazon.
The controversial conclusion of No Time to Die, released in 2021, saw Bond sacrifice himself to destroy a villain’s weapon, marking the first time the character died on screen.While the move was initially interpreted as a bold narrative choice, horowitz argues it was preemptive, especially in light of Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. wilson’s subsequent sale of the franchise to Amazon. He contends Bond’s inherent immortality renders such drastic measures unneeded for rebooting the series.
Horowitz’s perspective carries weight given his critical acclaim for replicating fleming’s voice. As the Guardian’s Alexander Larman noted of With a Mind to Kill, its “popular fiction at its most accomplished, purring along with the sleek assurance of an Aston Martin.” This understanding of the Bond ethos informs his assessment that the character’s essence transcends any single actor or storyline.
The future of the Bond franchise is currently in the hands of “Peaky Blinders” creator Steven knight, who is writing Bond 26, set to be directed by Denis Villeneuve. Horowitz seemingly empathizes with Knight’s challenge, implying the slate-wiping effect of Bond’s death adds undue pressure to the next installment. Tho, Horowitz ultimately maintains Bond’s resilience, stating, “Even when you kill him, he lives.” This sentiment underscores the franchise’s enduring appeal and suggests the character will inevitably return,regardless of past narrative decisions.
