Daniel's Age

Daniel's age seems to be a common topic when discussing him reprising his role as 007. It got me thinking about "older" action stars in recent films and Liam Neeson in Taken came to mind. Neeson was 57 when Taken was released in 2009 and I don't recall anyone thinking he was "too old" for the role. In fact, film critic Kam Williams from NewsBlaze called Liam Neeson's performance "(his) most memorable since his Oscar-nominated outing in Schindler's List."

Think about that. At 57 Liam Neeson was only a year younger than Sir Rog was when A View To A Kill was released in 1985. As much as I love Roger he looked and acted old(er) in AVTAK. In watching Taken I was never distracted by Liam Neeson's age, he looked very capable of the level of action and was believable in the role.

So what's the point? I think that an action hero in his mid-50's in the current day is much different and somehow "younger" than 30+ years ago. As of this writing Daniel Craig is 48, and a very in shape 48 at that. If Daniel's desire to continue to portray Bond is there I'm all for it; I think his desire and passion for the role will be the deciding factor, moreso than his age.
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Comments

  • ThunderpussyThunderpussy Behind you !Posts: 63,792MI6 Agent
    Agreed, so long as the actor looks believable in the action sequences, then
    There's no problem. Many actors keep themselves in such good shape these
    days, possibly because of the roles they have to play. That I'd say some 50+
    actors are in far better shape than some thirty year old actors of a few decades
    ago.
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  • Matt SMatt S Oh Cult Voodoo ShopPosts: 6,596MI6 Agent
    I agree that Bond can be in his 50s. This is why I think Brosnan could have stayed on as Bond for at least one more film. Craig has already looked like he's been in his 50s since SF and I'd say he looks about 55 now. But when comparing him to Liam Neeson in Taken, I think Neeson looks considerably better. Neeson moves a lot better whilst Craig moves more like an older man. Craig looked a little withdrawn at times in SF and SP, which may have made him look older. Neeson is a lot more into his role in Taken.

    Just to set things straight on ages, Moore was 57 when AVTAK was released in Spring of 1985 and Neeson was 56 when Taken was released when Taken was released in Autumn of 2008.
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  • Bmorelli11Bmorelli11 Posts: 197MI6 Agent
    Matt S wrote:
    Just to set things straight on ages, Moore was 57 when AVTAK was released in Spring of 1985 and Neeson was 56 when Taken was released when Taken was released in Autumn of 2008.

    I was using IMDB which lists Taken's US release date as January 30, 2009. 57 or 56 either way, Liam looked very much the part! -{

    http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0936501/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
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  • MilleniumForceMilleniumForce LondonPosts: 1,214MI6 Agent
    I'd like to see an older Bond, in his 50's with grey-into hair. I don't know why, but I just like that idea.
    1.LTK 2.AVTAK 3.OP 4.FYEO 5.TND 6.LALD 7.GE 8.GF 9.TSWLM 10.SPECTRE 11.SF 12.MR 13.YOLT 14.TLD 15.CR (06) 16.TMWTGG 17.TB 18.FRWL 19.TWINE 20.OHMSS 21.DAF 22.DAD 23.QoS 24.NSNA 25.DN 26.CR (67)
  • LoeffelholzLoeffelholz The United States, With LovePosts: 8,988Quartermasters
    IMO, Craig looks and moves just fine. Age won't be a factor in his looks or appeal in another Bond film---it's all down to whether he wants to do it, really...and of course whether his body can stand up to the punishment the role inflicts, now that he's raised that bar (the only thing on which his age has any bearing, as far as I'm concerned) :007)
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  • Matt SMatt S Oh Cult Voodoo ShopPosts: 6,596MI6 Agent
    Bmorelli11 wrote:
    Matt S wrote:
    Just to set things straight on ages, Moore was 57 when AVTAK was released in Spring of 1985 and Neeson was 56 when Taken was released when Taken was released in Autumn of 2008.

    I was using IMDB which lists Taken's US release date as January 30, 2009. 57 or 56 either way, Liam looked very much the part! -{

    http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0936501/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

    Okay. I was thinking of the UK release date. But after seeing this page it looks like Neeson was actually 55 when the movie was first released (in France). He was 56 a year later when it was released in the US. Craig looks about the same age now.
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  • HardyboyHardyboy Posts: 5,882Chief of Staff
    Ever since he was hired people have been screaming that Craig looks "too old" (hence the nickname Daniel Crag) to play Bond--so would a few more years matter?
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  • zaphod99zaphod99 Posts: 1,415MI6 Agent
    Hardyboy wrote:
    Ever since he was hired people have been screaming that Craig looks "too old" (hence the nickname Daniel Crag) to play Bond--so would a few more years matter?

    At the time of release I think the issue for some was that he was too old to be a new 00, not too old to play Bond. They seemed to deliberately age him in Skyfall to suit the 'old Warhorse narrative. I thought he was looking chipper in Spectre.
    Of that of which we cannot speak we must pass over in silence- Ludwig Wittgenstein.
  • LoeffelholzLoeffelholz The United States, With LovePosts: 8,988Quartermasters
    Hardyboy wrote:
    Ever since he was hired people have been screaming that Craig looks "too old" (hence the nickname Daniel Crag) to play Bond--so would a few more years matter?

    He's always been reliably 'too much' or 'too little' of one thing or another :007) Possibly now he's just too successful?
    Check out my Amazon author page! Mark Loeffelholz
    "I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
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  • ThunderpussyThunderpussy Behind you !Posts: 63,792MI6 Agent
    Success the best form of Revenge ! :))
    "I've been informed that there ARE a couple of QAnon supporters who are fairly regular posters in AJB."
  • HowardBHowardB USAPosts: 2,737MI6 Agent
    Craig has never been the matinee idol, model type so a bit of age has certainly not destroyed his "looks". More importantly he still appears very dangerous and capable physically. Charles Bronson still was very convincing as an action hero well into his 50's and of course the aforementioned Liam Neeson. I always saw Craig looks wise and physically as two parts Steve McQueen and one part Charles Bronson.
  • Matt SMatt S Oh Cult Voodoo ShopPosts: 6,596MI6 Agent
    zaphod99 wrote:
    Hardyboy wrote:
    Ever since he was hired people have been screaming that Craig looks "too old" (hence the nickname Daniel Crag) to play Bond--so would a few more years matter?

    At the time of release I think the issue for some was that he was too old to be a new 00, not too old to play Bond. They seemed to deliberately age him in Skyfall to suit the 'old Warhorse narrative. I thought he was looking chipper in Spectre.

    Whether 38 or 55, Craig has never been too old to play Bond, though he certainly looks old enough to be Lea Seydoux's father (if that's a concern of some people). But I'm one of those people who thought he was too old to play Bond at 38 in the origin story Casino Royale.
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  • MarcAngeDracoMarcAngeDraco Piz GloriaPosts: 564MI6 Agent
    It's not so much the number, it's more about how he looks. He's about the same age Brosnan was in GE when Craig was in SF, and yet Brosnan looks much younger.

    It's also about the character. Neeson's character in Taken wasn't supposed to be a womaniser. Bond is. So Bond needs to look like he can pull birds as hot as Lea Seydoux, Sophie Marceau and Claudine Auger. A 48-going-on-55-Putin-replica doesn't quite cut it.
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  • LoeffelholzLoeffelholz The United States, With LovePosts: 8,988Quartermasters
    :)) Yes, yes, of course. I believe Brozzer was approximately 44 for his Bond debut? As ever, IMO it's all down to taste. Personally, I prefer Connery's Geezer Bond to Moore's...and I don't feel that age has been an issue (yet!) since then -{

    Personally, I'd gladly watch Craig try to top Moore's Bond tenure :p ...but acknowledge that even a fifth is highly uncertain. He's proven that he's worth a Connery-esque parting payday, if he can step up one more time. If not, he should walk away with his head held high.

    Re: post 10. Cheers {[]
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  • ChriscoopChriscoop Belize Posts: 10,449MI6 Agent
    Though women do find DC attractive, he is always somewhere up there in these sexiest men polls, IMHO Neeson would have looked better without the unnaturally dyed hair, and there is no way you can compare how both actors move, Neeson is a big heavy man and that tells in his movements, I don't think Craig looks old for his age, I'd be happy for one more from DC
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  • Gala BrandGala Brand Posts: 1,172MI6 Agent
    Matt S wrote:
    I agree that Bond can be in his 50s. This is why I think Brosnan could have stayed on as Bond for at least one more film. Craig has already looked like he's been in his 50s since SF and I'd say he looks about 55 now. But when comparing him to Liam Neeson in Taken, I think Neeson looks considerably better. Neeson moves a lot better whilst Craig moves more like an older man. Craig looked a little withdrawn at times in SF and SP, which may have made him look older. Neeson is a lot more into his role in Taken.

    Just to set things straight on ages, Moore was 57 when AVTAK was released in Spring of 1985 and Neeson was 56 when Taken was released when Taken was released in Autumn of 2008.

    Wish I looked like Craig does when I was 55. Heck, wish I looked like that when I was 35.
  • Matt SMatt S Oh Cult Voodoo ShopPosts: 6,596MI6 Agent
    Gala Brand wrote:
    Matt S wrote:
    I agree that Bond can be in his 50s. This is why I think Brosnan could have stayed on as Bond for at least one more film. Craig has already looked like he's been in his 50s since SF and I'd say he looks about 55 now. But when comparing him to Liam Neeson in Taken, I think Neeson looks considerably better. Neeson moves a lot better whilst Craig moves more like an older man. Craig looked a little withdrawn at times in SF and SP, which may have made him look older. Neeson is a lot more into his role in Taken.

    Just to set things straight on ages, Moore was 57 when AVTAK was released in Spring of 1985 and Neeson was 56 when Taken was released when Taken was released in Autumn of 2008.

    Wish I looked like Craig does when I was 55. Heck, wish I looked like that when I was 35.

    I'm sorry to hear that. I know a lot of people in their 50s who look much more youthful than Craig does.
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  • eric7064eric7064 USAPosts: 343MI6 Agent
    I don't mind an older Bond at all. I wouldn't mind seeing early to late 50's Bond. Never had a problem with it.

    BUT don't have the Bond Girl be 20-35 either. Have her be a reasonable age compared to Bond or else he looks like he's playing her dad. I think that's why Taken was done so well, Liam Neeson character wasn't a Womanizer, he was just saving his daughter.
  • welshboy78welshboy78 Posts: 10,292MI6 Agent
    No way does Craig look 55 - that crazy in my opinion!!!!!
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  • Miles MesservyMiles Messervy Posts: 1,757MI6 Agent
    Matt S wrote:
    Gala Brand wrote:
    Matt S wrote:
    I agree that Bond can be in his 50s. This is why I think Brosnan could have stayed on as Bond for at least one more film. Craig has already looked like he's been in his 50s since SF and I'd say he looks about 55 now. But when comparing him to Liam Neeson in Taken, I think Neeson looks considerably better. Neeson moves a lot better whilst Craig moves more like an older man. Craig looked a little withdrawn at times in SF and SP, which may have made him look older. Neeson is a lot more into his role in Taken.

    Just to set things straight on ages, Moore was 57 when AVTAK was released in Spring of 1985 and Neeson was 56 when Taken was released when Taken was released in Autumn of 2008.

    Wish I looked like Craig does when I was 55. Heck, wish I looked like that when I was 35.

    I'm sorry to hear that. I know a lot of people in their 50s who look much more youthful than Craig does.

    I think he was probably referring to Craig's physique. I don't know many people over the age of 40 who look like that.

    In the face, I agree that Craig looks a few years older than he is.
  • HowardBHowardB USAPosts: 2,737MI6 Agent
    Sorry....IMO this Craig looks older than he is stuff is way overblown. In this day and age, Bond in his 40's isn't considered old. I do agree however that EON should start seriously considering matching Craig with more mature leading ladies...IMO his brief screen time with Monica Belluci was more compelling than with Lea Seydoux.
  • ToTheRightToTheRight Posts: 314MI6 Agent
    HowardB wrote:
    Sorry....IMO this Craig looks older than he is stuff is way overblown. In this day and age, Bond in his 40's isn't considered old. I do agree however that EON should start seriously considering matching Craig with more mature leading ladies...IMO his brief screen time with Monica Belluci was more compelling than with Lea Seydoux.

    Well said. I think Craig could easily do another 2 films providing they aren't made in 4 year gaps. I agree his scenes with Monica were more compelling and the next leading lady should match him a'la Maud and Roger in OP.
    I certainly prefer Bond in his 40s as opposed to his early 30s. It worked for Sean because at 32 he had a mature, rugged, lived in professional appearance.That's because at that age he pretty much was. I doubt many of the 32 year olds of today's generation have a 10th of the life experience Sean had and James Bond requires. Tom Hiddleson at 35 looks like a college kid compared to the suave rugged Sean of TB.
    Pierce certainly looked better in his 40s and could have continued to play Bond well into his 50s.
    Daniel Craig has a lived in look, and certainly had it in CR. IMO, although he's aged a bit in the 10 years since he was cast, I don't think it's really that extreme. I actually think he looked his best in SP.
  • Matt SMatt S Oh Cult Voodoo ShopPosts: 6,596MI6 Agent
    Matt S wrote:
    Gala Brand wrote:

    Wish I looked like Craig does when I was 55. Heck, wish I looked like that when I was 35.

    I'm sorry to hear that. I know a lot of people in their 50s who look much more youthful than Craig does.

    I think he was probably referring to Craig's physique. I don't know many people over the age of 40 who look like that.

    In the face, I agree that Craig looks a few years older than he is.

    I know one man in his 50s and one in his 60s who have physiques almost like Craig's. So no, that's not very common.
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  • HowardBHowardB USAPosts: 2,737MI6 Agent
    Matt S wrote:
    I know one man in his 50s and one in his 60s who have physiques almost like Craig's. So no, that's not very common.

    In the real world that is probably a good observation. It's very hard to fight biology, even if one is fastidious with regards to diet, exercise and rest. That being said, in the world of successful film stars they have the resources, time and motivation to maintain their looks and physiques for much longer than the average working stiff. With Craig, while he may not exactly have a "baby face" he is apparently blessed with the type of naturally lean body type that responds well to working out even into middle age which IMO works well for the contemporary cinematic Bond. As much as I like Craig as Bond and want him to return, the day he starts looking a bit soft or doughy he can't be Bond anymore.
  • Matt SMatt S Oh Cult Voodoo ShopPosts: 6,596MI6 Agent
    HowardB wrote:
    Matt S wrote:
    I know one man in his 50s and one in his 60s who have physiques almost like Craig's. So no, that's not very common.

    In the real world that is probably a good observation. It's very hard to fight biology, even if one is fastidious with regards to diet, exercise and rest. That being said, in the world of successful film stars they have the resources, time and motivation to maintain their looks and physiques for much longer than the average working stiff. With Craig, while he may not exactly have a "baby face" he is apparently blessed with the type of naturally lean body type that responds well to working out even into middle age which IMO works well for the contemporary cinematic Bond. As much as I like Craig as Bond and want him to return, the day he starts looking a bit soft or doughy he can't be Bond anymore.

    He looks rather "doughy" in the Brunello Cucinelli outfit in SP. Low-rise trousers and unstructured jackets aren't Craig's friend anymore. But with a better fit his body can still look great. If he's dressed in good tailoring and jackets (like throughout SP) like Roger Moore his body will still look far better than Moore's.
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  • HowardBHowardB USAPosts: 2,737MI6 Agent
    Whoa Matt, I checked out your "Suits of James Bond" blog; man you know your men's fashion. I'm a fashion disaster but I am at least aware enough to be able to look in the mirror and see what doesn't fit me properly or work with my body type. I will say, when it comes to Bond's wardrobe, when they try to get too trendy it doesn't work. Most cringe worthy Bond fashion moment for me is Connery's terry cloth one piece cabana outfit from GF....only Connery could get away with that one.
  • MilleniumForceMilleniumForce LondonPosts: 1,214MI6 Agent
    I'm surprised people actually think Craig looks too old. To me, he looks like a year or two older than when he was in CR! I think he looks better now as Bond than he does in CR anyway.
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  • ThunderpussyThunderpussy Behind you !Posts: 63,792MI6 Agent
    Agreed, He looks fine to me. I just don't see this "Old Man"
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  • zaphod99zaphod99 Posts: 1,415MI6 Agent
    Agreed, He looks fine to me. I just don't see this "Old Man"
    Some people talk about. -{

    I agree. If the next movie was in pre production now I don't think it would be a problem, it the open ended and protracted wait that is driving g this is think. I'd be more worried about his knee and the physical stuff. On the other hand if he were less able to do the physical stuff that could open up some new things...
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  • HowardBHowardB USAPosts: 2,737MI6 Agent
    Craig has surely been one of the more "physical" Bonds. I was surprised to read in "Some Kind of Hero" that he actually ran across that girder 90 ft up (albeit with a safety wire) in CR or that the insurance people even allowed it. I agree, he looks fine but the physical stuff may be taking a toll on him. He may be of the mind that if he can't continue to be involved in doing a lot of his own action anymore than he wouldn't be as convincing in his portrayal and not be doing the role justice.
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