Insider Exclusive: The Surprising Element of Daniel Craig’s James Bond that Casino Royale Star Just Couldn't Handle!

Mads Mikkelsen, star of Casino Royale, playfully critiques Daniel Craig for his one major flaw as James Bond. Casino Royale, directed by Martin Campbell and released in 2006, marks Craig's debut as the famous British superspy. The film follows Bond as he confronts Mikkelsen's villainous character, Le Chiffre, in a high-stakes poker match in Montenegro, ultimately emerging victorious.

During a recent interview with GQ, where Mikkelsen reflects on his most memorable roles, he discloses that Craig actually had no knowledge of poker while filming Casino Royale.

In the above interview, Mikkelsen playfully reflects on the irony of Craig's character winning a large sum of money in the poker game despite his lack of poker knowledge. Read Mikkelsen's complete statement below:

"While everyone at the table was well versed in poker, Daniel was the exception. He had no clue and performed poorly. It was particularly frustrating that he, out of all people, had to defeat [my character] and take away all my money. It just felt wrong. However, I did manage to get my revenge with the rope in the Casino Royale torture scene, so that's a silver lining."

Is Casino Royale Daniel Craig's Best James Bond Movie?

Mikkelsen's comment highlights Craig's talent as an actor, as his lack of poker knowledge is not evident on screen. Initially, there were doubts about Craig's ability to play 007 after iconic actors like Brosnan, Moore, and Connery, but Casino Royale proves that he is more than capable. However, like his predecessors, Craig's tenure as Bond had its ups and downs.

While Quantum of Solace and Spectre are considered weaker entries, Skyfall stands out as a major success. No Time To Die received positive feedback and served as a fitting conclusion to Craig's character. The real debate lies between Casino Royale and Skyfall, as to which is the best film in Craig's Bond franchise.

Casino Royale stands out as the most intense installment in the Craig Bond series, as it depicts the protagonist's journey to becoming 007 and tackling his inaugural significant mission. In contrast, Skyfall embodies a more classic Bond vibe, showcasing an older portrayal of the character grappling with his role in the modern world of espionage. Although determining whether Casino Royale is Craig's finest Bond film remains subjective, it undeniably marked the beginning of a fresh era for the character and cemented Craig as one of the top actors to assume the iconic role.