No Time to Die SAVAGED by James Bond author

The last James Bond outing, No Time to Die, was previously criticised by author Charlie Higson, who has published a series of young adult novels focusing on the character before he became a government agent.

No Time to Die was released in 2021 to acclaim, with much of the praise focused on the humanisation of Bond, played again by Daniel Craig.

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Near the conclusion of the movie, it is revealed that 007 has had a child with former partner Madeleine Swan.

The plot sways away from the usual womanising, martini-drinking version of the character.

Higson believes that is not what people want to see from a James Bond movie, however.

"Bond is a fantasy, he's got no wife, no kids, you rarely see him at home, he lives in hotels, eats in restaurants, sleeps with as many women as he wants and gets to kill people," he previously said at the Chalke Valley History Festival.

"It's the best job in the world. You never see him mowing his lawn, washing his car or asking his bank manager for a loan. He's one guy on a mission. You don't have to worry about a back story or any boring discussions with his girlfriend. Which is why I absolutely hate No Time To Die.

"They put in all the boring stuff you don't want. The start of the film is great – he's in a really flash car, having a car chase around Matera.

"But he's got his girlfriend with him and they're having a row. What kind of fantasy is that? Find the ejector seat button, get rid of her and have an adventure."

The franchise celebrated its 60th anniversary in October of 2022.

Who will be the next Bond?

Craig has played the character since 2006 and has featured in Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace, Skyfall, Spectre and No Time to Die.

Speculation continues as to who will be his replacement, with names like Idris Elba, Tom Hardy, Henry Cavill, Rege-Jean Page, and Paapa Essiedu all mentioned as candidates over the years.

Two of the favourites are currently Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Damson Idris.