15 years ago, Quantum of Solace almost destroyed the reputation of Daniel Craig’s James Bond before the actor had even made an impression on fans.
SUMMARY
Quantum of Solace was Daniel Craig’s worst James Bond movie and almost ruined his reputation as 007 due to its cluttered, confusing plot and lack of humor.
Quantum of Solace was also Craig’s lowest-grossing Bond movie, earning less at the box office compared to its predecessor, Casino Royale.
The production of Quantum of Solace suffered, resulting in a lack of a cohesive script and clear vision, which contributed to the film’s messy storyline and uneven tone.
Not only was 2008’s Quantum of Solace Daniel Craig’s worst James Bond movie, but the outing almost ruined his reputation as 007 before it was even established.
James Bond seemed to be in a tricky situation back in 2005. 2002’s Die Another Day was a campy misfire and a disappointing swan song for Pierce Brosnan’s winking, self-aware take on 007 — and the franchise seemed to be out of touch with the prevailing culture.
Hardened, brooding spies like Jason Bourne made James Bond look like a goofy caricature, and the dark tone of post-9/11 blockbusters made Bond’s adventures seem outdated.
Fortunately, 2006’s Casino Royale was a bruising, brilliant debut for Daniel Craig’s edgier, more serious Bond.
Casino Royale’s James Bond backstory allowed the franchise to redefine 007’s entire aesthetic, dropping the outlandish gadgets and smarmy one-liners in favor of a darker tone and bloodier action.
However, all of Casino Royale’s hard work was almost undone by the next movie in the series.
Released 15 years ago, Quantum of Solace remains the worst of Craig’s Bond movies and arguably the biggest misfire in the franchise since Moonraker.
While most of Quantum of Solace’s production problems were unavoidable, the movie’s disastrous reception was still almost enough to ruin Craig’s Bond.
