No Time to Die airs on ITV1 tonight

No Time to Die, the 25th instalment in the James Bond franchise and the most recent release since 2021, will be broadcast on ITV1 at 8pm tonight. The film marks Daniel Craig's final appearance as 007, serving as the follow-up to Spectre (2015) and the fifth and concluding Bond film in his tenure.

The film's official synopsis states: "James Bond has left active service. His peace is short-lived when Felix Leiter, an old friend from the CIA, turns up asking for help, leading Bond onto the trail of a mysterious villain armed with dangerous new technology."

Craig is joined in the cast by Ralph Fiennes, Ana de Armas, Rami Malek, Léa Seydoux, David Dencik, Ben Whishaw, Billy Magnussen, Naomie Harris, Jeffrey Wright, and Christoph Waltz.

Behind the scenes

No Time to Die was directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga, who took over following Danny Boyle's widely reported departure in August 2018 over 'creative differences'. The screenplay was written by Fukunaga alongside Neal Purvis, Robert Wade, and Phoebe Waller-Bridge.

The film arrived in UK cinemas in September 2021, having faced postponements owing to the Covid-19 pandemic and Boyle's exit as director.

Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, Craig reflected on stepping away from the role after 15 years and five films: "I'll miss everything, I think. I'll miss the collaboration. I mean, hopefully I'll keep working and I'll have lots of other lovely jobs, but it's very, very, very rare air. Apart from Marvel movies, there aren't movies that are as big as this. I've had the privilege of being involved in it. ... It was there before me, and it will be there after me... So, yeah, I'll miss it a lot."

Critical and audience reception

The film has drawn praise from critics and viewers alike. One critic wrote: "Everything you wanted! It's Dr No meets Skyfall! Fukunaga crafted the most pure James Bond experience yet! Bringing a perfect, emotional, & VISCERAL send off for Daniel Craig. The action is insane, the score is PERFECTION, & such a smooth runtime!"

Another critic said: "No Time To Die is the most emotional, personal James Bond movie of Daniel Craig's Era, holding a heartfelt farewell to the now-iconic actor. Massive praise to the outstanding ensemble cast."

A reviewer added: "No Time to Die is utterly cinematic. It's strong storytelling with big action set pieces that will leave you breathless...No Time to Die sets its sights on giving Craig's Bond era the goodbye it deserves."

Audience reviews have echoed the acclaim. One Rotten Tomatoes viewer wrote: "No Time to Die is not just another Bond movie-it is the Bond movie that dares to redefine what a Bond movie can be. Daring, sleek, and unexpectedly moving, Cary Joji Fukunaga's direction brings an emotional weight and visual grace rarely seen in this franchise's long history. Daniel Craig's final performance is nothing short of transcendent as Bond has never felt this alive. The most emotionally resonant Bond film ever made, sleek, brave, and unforgettable."

An IMDB user review reads: "We watched this at the cinema today. I've been a life long fan of Bond but I have to say, Craig's performances and portrayal of 007 have been brilliant, brilliant, brilliant. It was the swan song that he deserved, that his loyal fans deserved. The sadness, the wit, action and legendary Bond appeal for all generations to watch. Daniel Craig reinvented Bond, whoever follows has some impossibly next level big shoes to fill. Another masterpiece."

Another fan writes: "Of all the actors who have played the iconic James Bond, Daniel Craig has given us the most dignified and heart-warming farewell. The film's nearly three-hour running time flies by, packed with everything that has made the series so enduring. An excellent choice for a weekend."

Yet another audience review observed: "The best bond film for all the reasons I never expected! Utterly brilliant from start to finish, threw everything you didn't expect at us, Bond showed a completely different side to himself and came out of his shell - never a dull moment and has you on the edge of your seat from start to finish! 10/10."

Awards and box office

No Time to Die features a theme song performed by Billie Eilish and a score composed by Hans Zimmer. The film won the Oscar for Best Original Song for Eilish, along with two additional Academy Award nominations.

At the global box office, the film grossed over $774 million, making it the third-highest-grossing entry in the Bond franchise. It is also reportedly the most costly Bond production ever undertaken.