David Corenswet, known for his role in Superman, has presented a compelling new theory about James Bond’s first kills in the film Casino Royale. This David Corenswet Bond Theory challenges the traditional understanding of the movie’s opening sequence, offering a fresh perspective on Bond’s journey to earning his 007 status.
Understanding How Casino Royale Depicts Bond’s Path to Becoming 007
Casino Royale, released in 2006, is widely regarded as one of the best James Bond films and marked a significant reboot for the franchise with Daniel Craig taking the lead role after Pierce Brosnan. Unlike previous Bond movies, this entry dives into the origins of the legendary spy, showing how Bond acquires his double-0 designation through two critical kills. The film’s black-and-white opening scene establishes this by focusing on Bond’s need to complete two specific kills to earn the 007 license.
The sequence starts with Bond calmly holding a traitorous MI6 agent at gunpoint. Their conversation reveals that the second kill is supposedly easier than the first, which then triggers a flashback to Bond’s initial, more difficult kill. This first kill occurs under tense circumstances in a bathroom, where Bond struggles to drown a man in a violent confrontation. Returning to the present, Bond then easily shoots the office agent with a silenced pistol, symbolizing the smoothness of his second kill compared to the first.
However, the scene includes an additional twist: the man Bond tried to drown in the bathroom suddenly revives and turns around, forcing Bond to shoot him again. This moment triggers the film’s opening credits, which pay homage to classic Bond themes through stylized visuals and music.
David Corenswet’s Insightful Interpretation of Casino Royale’s Opening Scene
David Corenswet shared his intriguing interpretation of this opening scene during an interview while promoting his Superman film. His theory centers on the flashback involving Bond’s first target and how Bond’s reaction when the supposedly dead man revives changes the scene’s meaning. Corenswet considers the mindset and emotional experience Bond undergoes, offering a deeper psychological analysis.
According to Corenswet, Bond’s first kill was the drowning attempt. Believing the man was dead, Bond’s next act—shooting the man when he unexpectedly revives—is actually his second kill. This places both the difficult and the easy kills on the same person. In this framework, the office shooting is not the second kill but effectively the third, mentally representing Bond’s growing familiarity with killing. This reinterpretation alters the emotional complexity of the moment and reframes how audiences perceive Bond’s progression as a spy.
“Corenswet posits that James Bond made his first kill by drowning the man in the sink. For all he knew at the moment, the man was dead. Therefore, when he shot him with ease moments later when he turned out to still be alive, this ultimately proved to be Bond’s second, easier kill. Rather than the moment Bond shoots the treasonous agent in the office being his second kill, Corsenswet’s theory states that, at least emotionally, Bond made both his kills — the hard one (drowning) and the easy one (shooting) — on the same person.” —David Corenswet, Actor
Why Corenswet’s Explanation Resonates on a Psychological Level
This interpretation aligns well with how someone deeply involved in a life-or-death situation processes their actions. Bond’s initial kill by drowning is fraught with struggle and emotional conflict, while the subsequent shooting happens with a detached ease, suggesting emotional habituation. Corenswet’s theory implies that Bond’s experience of killing quickly matures through the same interaction, softening the impact of later kills.
Although some fans may argue that this reinterpretation diminishes the symbolic impact of the shootout with the traitorous agent in the office, the fact that this shootout coincides with the start of the film’s iconic credits sequence reaffirms its importance as Bond’s second official kill on screen. This nuanced understanding deepens the narrative about Bond’s transformation into a hardened operative.
Looking forward, the James Bond franchise is preparing for a new reboot directed by Denis Villeneuve, known for his work on Dune. This reboot will reportedly explore a younger James Bond, reopening the door for fresh interpretations of the character’s backstory and evolution. Given the franchise’s history of reinvention and Corenswet’s keen analytical eye, fans can expect further compelling insights as the story develops.
“While the true intentions of the structure can be debated, James Bond is due for another reboot, which is bound to see its own interpretation. Dune director Denis Villeneuve has signed on to direct. The reboot is said to focus on a younger James Bond, but much about their plans remains to be seen.” —David Corenswet, Actor
Corenswet’s fascination with analyzing complex characters such as James Bond highlights the enduring appeal of the franchise and its ability to inspire thoughtful discussion. As audiences eagerly await the next chapter, this fresh take on Casino Royale’s opening puts a spotlight on the psychological depth underpinning Bond’s early trials.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How much did David Corenswet make for Superman?
A. David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan each earned $750,000. Nicholas Hoult, portraying Lex Luthor, received $2 million for his role.
