Image Source: Reuters
The latest installment to the world-famous 007 franchise No Time To Die finally had its highly-anticipated opening night after suffering a lengthy delay of 18 months. Originally slated to be released in March 2020, the premiere had to be postponed several times amid the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The star-studded event was held in London’s iconic Royal Albert Hall and attended by A-list celebrities. Among those to walk the red carpet were the cast of the film, such as Rami Malek, Ana de Armas, Lashana Lynch, David Dencik, and Dali Benssalah. In addition, returning casts including Naomie Harris, Léa Seydoux, Ben Whishaw, Jeffrey Wright, and Rory Kinnear were likewise seen in the premiere.
Other celebrities like Dame Judi Dench, who previously played the illustrious M, Jason Momoa, Michelle Yeoh, and Jonathan Majors have shown up in support of the film.
Director Cary Joji Fukunaga, screenwriters Neal Purvis and Robert Wade, who wrote the seven most recent Bond films, and co-screenwriter Phoebe Waller-Bridge were also spotted. World-renowned composer Hans Zimmer, who was asked to score the film just three months before its release and Billie Eilish, who sang the official song for the film, was also in attendance alongside brother and the song’s producer Finneas O’Connell.
Aside from personalities in the entertainment industry, the royals have joined the festivities. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall were all seen walking with producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson.
Of course, James Bond himself, Daniel Craig, was the star of the night. The premiere not only serves as the opening night for No Time To Die but is also a celebration for the award-winning actor as it will be his last movie playing the beloved secret agent. He has starred in five Bond films since 2006.
Many people are left wondering who the next 007 will be with Daniel Craig’s exit from the franchise. However, in her prior interview with BBC Radio 4’s Today program, Barbara Broccoli has shared that they are in no rush to look for the next James Bond. The franchise producer shared, “We’re not thinking about it at all. We want Daniel to have his time of celebration. Next year, we’ll start thinking about the future.”
Right before the screening, Daniel shared a heartwarming toast to the people who tirelessly worked behind the scenes. The actor said, “To the amazing cast and crew, MGM, Universal, Barbara, Michael. A lot of front-line line workers here. It’s an honor for us—we’d like to dedicate this film to you this evening.”
The film industry has been severely impacted by the pandemic and is slowly trying to get back on its feet. Following the successful premiere of No Time To Die, the entire filmmaking sector is hopeful that more people will go back to watching movies on the big screen and enjoy its full experience.
No Time To Die will officially be in theaters starting September 30 in the UK and October 8 in the US.
