The James Bond film “No Time to Die” eventually had its delayed world premiere in London on Tuesday (28 September), with a guest list that included Oscar winners and the British monarchy, which turned out to be the cinema’s most high-profile red carpet since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Daniel Craig, clad in an eye-catching pink velvet dinner jacket, and co-stars Rami Malek, Lashana Lynch, and Lea Seydoux reunited for the highly anticipated film, which theatre operators believe will help bring audiences back to pre-pandemic levels.
Due to the pandemic, movie theatres around the world were compelled to close their doors and enforce audience number restrictions, forcing the 25th Bond film to be postponed three times since its planned April 2020 release date.
‘No Time to Die’ marks Craig’s fifth and last outing as the suave British secret agent, which began with 2006’s “Casino Royale,” which stands as one of Hollywood’s largest franchises.
Craig told Reuters “It’s such a great relief. It was so important to me to come and celebrate with all the other cast and crew and to get it into the cinemas and we’re here.” He added, “A year ago I didn’t think that was going to happen.”
Furthermore, when he was asked about what he was going to miss the most from 007, he said “the people.”
“No Time to Die,” costs up to $200 million, sees Bond emerge from retirement in Jamaica to assist in the pursuit of a new enemy, characterized by Oscar winner Malek as “mischievous and diabolical” who is armed with lethal technology.
Director Cary Joji Fukunaga said, “The most daunting part was just coming up with a good story.” He added, “I think of it as the last chapter of this one book where we (first) met Daniel in ‘Casino Royale’ (and) it’s all part of the same story.”
Lynch’s character, 00 agent Nomi, is introduced in the film, who said “I’m just happy it’s here and we get to celebrate it in the way that it deserves.”
The premiere was also attended by Britain’s Prince Charles and his son Prince William and their wives.
Former Bond actress Judi Dench and Grammy Award winner Billie Eilish, who performs the film’s theme music, was also present at the premiere.
“No Time to Die” is one of the most anticipated films of the fall season. High expectations have been attached to the movie as the past two Bond films, 2015’s “Spectre” and 2012’s “Skyfall,” grossed $880 million and more than $1 billion worldwide, respectively.
Producer Barbara Broccoli said, “Now that the cinemas are open, we’re really happy to be supporting the industry.” She added, “We made this film for the cinema and we want people to enjoy it.”
