David Corenswet has named Casino Royale as his favorite James Bond movie, highlighting its connection to a political shift influenced by a well-known Matt Damon spy thriller. The 2006 film’s darker, more realistic tone reflects changes in global politics and cinematic style that shaped Daniel Craig’s portrayal of the iconic superspy.
Why David Corenswet Chooses Casino Royale as the Standout Bond Film
Though David Corenswet is poised to leave his mark as a new-era superhero, he maintains a clear appreciation for the enduring appeal of spy thrillers. The James Bond franchise, spanning 25 films over 63 years, stands as a testament to the genre’s lasting power. Among these, Corenswet singles out Daniel Craig’s debut, Casino Royale, as the most definitive and compelling of the series.
Casino Royale distinguished itself by presenting a tougher, more complex Bond. Unlike earlier portrayals by Sean Connery or Roger Moore, which often embraced camp and womanizing stereotypes rooted in outdated Cold War attitudes, Craig’s Bond is flawed, emotional, and decidedly human. This shift offered audiences a spy who could embody modern sensibilities without losing the essence of what makes Bond iconic.
Since Dr. No’s release in 1962, the Bond series has continually evolved, but none as profoundly as Casino Royale. It revitalized the character with a tone and structure that resonated with a contemporary audience, establishing a franchise era that is both respected and beloved.
The Influence of a Matt Damon Spy Thriller on Daniel Craig’s Bond
In the aftermath of 9/11, the global climate became fraught with tension and uncertainty, reminiscent in some ways of Cold War anxieties. The increased focus on terrorism and geopolitical conflict reshaped international perspectives on security and espionage. It was during this period that Paul Greengrass launched the Jason Bourne series, starring Matt Damon, with a markedly darker and more realistic approach to the spy genre.
Greengrass’s Bourne films rejected the glamorized espionage traditions typified by earlier Bond films, choosing instead to depict a conflicted, vulnerable protagonist navigating a bleak and dangerous world. This tone struck a chord with contemporary audiences and signaled a desire for more authenticity in spy narratives.
The creator’s criticism of conventional Bond was clear. Paul Greengrass once described the character as
“an imperialist right-wing f**kface.”
—Paul Greengrass, Director
Matt Damon echoed this sentiment in 2016, contrasting Bourne’s modern values with Bond’s older attitudes:
I like Bourne better than Bond. Bourne has today’s values. Bond has the values of the 1960s. Daniel’s Bond has upgraded him and brought him more into the present, but, classically, that character is a misogynist who likes swilling martinis and killing people and not giving a s*it.Whereas Jason Bourne is a serial monogamist – and he’s tortured by the things he’s done and feels empathy and compassion for other people. And Bourne would obviously win in a fight.
—Matt Damon, Actor
This contrast highlights why Casino Royale’s Bond, shaped in part by Bourne’s influence, embraced a colder, grittier style that mirrored the turbulent 21st century. The franchise’s shift away from campy humor and outdated macho posturing aligned Bond more closely with the complex realities of modern geopolitics and audience expectations.
Industry Reflections on the Bond Transformation
Paul Greengrass later acknowledged the impact that Bourne’s success had on the Bond franchise, describing it as
“a bit of a wake-up call for James Bond.”
—Paul Greengrass, Director
Between 2006 and 2021, the Bond films reached new creative heights under Daniel Craig’s tenure, but the franchise now faces an uncertain future. The original custodians, Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, have relinquished control to Amazon, raising questions about the direction of upcoming installments. Denis Villeneuve has been announced as the director for the 26th Bond movie, placing him at the center of a pivotal transition period for the series.
Looking Ahead to Bond’s Next Chapter Under Amazon
With Amazon’s newly acquired stewardship, many are curious how the iconic spy will evolve in the hands of a major tech corporation seeking to balance legacy and innovation. As David Corenswet’s favorite James Bond movie continues to influence perceptions of what the character can be, fans and critics alike will watch closely to see if future films maintain the gritty, reflective tone established during Daniel Craig’s era.
For now, all 25 James Bond films, including Casino Royale, are available for streaming on Prime Video, offering viewers an opportunity to revisit the franchise’s evolution and the film that revitalized a cultural icon.
