As Casino Royale graces screens once again—this time airing on ITV—it’s the perfect moment to revisit why this 2006 entry remains one of the most celebrated and debated films in the long-running James Bond franchise. Released at a time when the series felt stale after the over-the-top antics of Die Another Day, this film arrived like a reset button, delivering a gritty, intense, and emotionally charged origin story for 007. Many fans and critics argue it’s not just a great Bond movie—it’s arguably the greatest, blending high-stakes suspense, raw action, unforgettable characters, and a level of realism that redefined what a Bond film could be.
Directed by Martin Campbell, who previously helmed GoldenEye, Casino Royale serves as a reboot, adapting Ian Fleming’s very first Bond novel from 1953 while updating it for a post-9/11 world. Daniel Craig steps into the role of James Bond for the first time, portraying a newly minted 00 agent—rough around the edges, physically imposing, and far from the polished, gadget-loving suave spy audiences had come to expect. His Bond is blunt, vulnerable, and capable of real mistakes, with consequences that actually hurt. The famous opening black-and-white sequence, where Bond earns his double-0 status by completing two assassinations, sets the tone immediately: this is a Bond who bleeds, who gets angry, and who doesn’t always have the upper hand.
The plot follows Bond’s first major assignment after achieving 00 status. Tasked by M (Judi Dench, reprising her role with steely authority), he pursues leads that uncover Le Chiffre (Mads Mikkelsen), a calculating Albanian banker who finances terrorist organizations. Le Chiffre has lost a massive sum belonging to his clients after Bond thwarts a planned attack on an aerospace company. Desperate to recoup the funds, Le Chiffre organizes a high-stakes Texas Hold’em poker tournament at the luxurious Casino Royale in Montenegro, with millions at stake. Bond is sent to represent MI6 and bankrupt Le Chiffre, preventing the money from fueling further terror. To succeed, Bond teams up with Vesper Lynd (Eva Green), a brilliant Treasury agent assigned to oversee the funds, and the two form an uneasy alliance that soon deepens into something far more personal and dangerous.
What elevates Casino Royale beyond typical espionage thrills is its focus on character and emotional stakes. The poker game isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a tense, psychological battle where bluffs, tells, and endurance matter more than gadgets or explosions. The film’s pacing builds masterfully during these scenes, with every hand carrying real weight. Le Chiffre emerges as one of the franchise’s most compelling villains: not a cartoonish megalomaniac, but a sophisticated, scarred financier whose calm demeanor hides ruthless desperation. Mikkelsen’s performance is chilling, particularly in moments of quiet menace, making his confrontation with Bond feel genuinely threatening.
Eva Green’s Vesper Lynd stands out as one of the strongest Bond women in the series. Intelligent, enigmatic, and layered, she challenges Bond intellectually and emotionally, forcing him to confront his own cynicism. Their romance develops organically amid the danger, blending sharp banter with genuine vulnerability. Green’s portrayal brings depth and tragedy to the role, making the film’s emotional climax all the more devastating. The betrayal and heartbreak that follow reshape Bond, explaining the hardened, detached figure we see in later films.
The action sequences are visceral and innovative. The parkour chase through Madagascar’s construction sites is a breathless highlight, showcasing Bond’s raw athleticism without relying on CGI excess. Later set pieces, like the airport pursuit and the sinking Venetian building, combine spectacle with peril, grounding the spectacle in real danger. David Arnold’s score, featuring the haunting theme song “You Know My Name” by Chris Cornell, perfectly captures the film’s blend of menace and melancholy.
Critically, Casino Royale was a triumph upon release, praised for reinvigorating the franchise with its darker tone, realistic violence, and departure from formulaic tropes. It grossed over $616 million worldwide, becoming one of the highest-earning Bond films at the time. Reviewers highlighted Craig’s transformative performance—he’s leaner, meaner, and more haunted than predecessors, delivering lines like “Do I look like I give a damn?” with icy conviction. The film strips away much of the camp and gadgets, focusing instead on character growth, moral ambiguity, and the cost of the spy life.
The debate over whether it’s the best Bond film rages on among fans. Supporters point to its perfect balance: thrilling action, sharp dialogue, a gripping story, and performances that elevate the material. It feels modern yet faithful to Fleming’s roots, offering high-stakes espionage without descending into absurdity. Others favor classics like Goldfinger for their iconic moments or From Russia with Love for pure spy craft, but Casino Royale often tops lists for its reinvention and emotional depth. It humanizes Bond, showing how betrayal and loss forged the legend.
Nearly two decades later, the film holds up remarkably well. Its influence is evident in the entire Craig era and beyond, proving that Bond can evolve while staying true to his core. Whether you’re a longtime fan revisiting it or discovering it anew, Casino Royale delivers a masterclass in suspense, character, and spectacle.
Tonight’s ITV airing is a reminder of why this film endures: it doesn’t just entertain—it challenges expectations and leaves a lasting impact. In a franchise full of highs, Casino Royale stands as a pinnacle, a bold declaration that every legend has a beginning—and this one might just be the finest of them all.
