The James Bond Producers Don't Regret Quantum Of Solace [Exclusive]
"Quantum of Solace" is not what many consider to be a high point in the James Bond franchise. That's especially true since it followed up "Casino Royale," which is widely considered to be one of the greatest movies in the series to date. That said, longtime franchise producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson have no regrets about the second entry in the Daniel Craig era.
/Film's own Jack Giroux recently sat down with the longtime series producers for an interview to discuss "No Time to Die" as it hits theaters this week. At one point, they were asked whether or not they were proud of "Quantum of Solace" all these years later. Broccoli said the following:
"I'm really proud of the movie. I think it's part of the whole evolution of Bond. And I think after 'Casino Royale,' when he shuts down emotionally, the next step was going out for revenge. I think the story of that film is that revenge is an empty challenge. You don't get any benefit from revenge. So I think it's important in the whole history of the evolution of this character. I'm very proud of it for sure."
The Trouble With Quantum of Solace
There is no question that "Quantum of Solace" is not necessarily the movie that everyone intended to make as Craig's sophomore effort. The movie had much to contend with, and not just the burden of great expectations. Namely, the huge writer's strike that caused a great many problems in Hollywood around that time. It didn't do the sequel any favors.
Critics and audiences were divided on the film when it hit theaters in 2008. Directed by Marc Forster, it boasts a mere 64 percent critical approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, to go with a 58 percent audience rating. You can see where we ranked it in the pantheon of "James Bond" movies recently. It earned almost exactly what "Casino Royale" did at the box office, taking in $591 million, but it had a much higher budget.
It is worth noting that the movie has seen something of a reassessment within sections of the fanbase in recent years. I myself have truly come around to it, especially when viewed as something like "Casino Royale 1.5." Also, fun fact: "Quantum of Solace" is the shortest Bond movie ever, whereas "No Time to Die" is the longest.
"No Time to Die" hits theaters this weekend.
Daniel Craig returns one last time as James Bond, starring alongside OSCAR®-winner Rami Malek (2019, Best Actor, "Bohemian Rhapsody") in "No Time To Die." Bond has left active service and is enjoying life in Jamaica. His peace is short-lived when his old friend Felix Leiter from the CIA turns up asking for help. The mission to rescue a kidnapped scientist turns out to be far more treacherous than expected, leading Bond onto the trail of a mysterious villain armed with dangerous new technology.