Dame Judi Dench, who starred as 007's boss M in eight James Bond movies over two decades, reveals that Daniel Craig was behind M's death in 2012's Skyfall. Dench recalled how she came to know that her character M would be killed off in her upcoming memoir, Is It Too Late to Make a Run For It?, an excerpt of which appeared in Variety.
"I was taken to the Wolseley restaurant by Barbara, Michael and Sam (Mendes, the director) - I don't think Daniel Craig was there - and they outlined the plot and told me they were going to bump me off. My fault, I suppose," Dench said.
"Ever since GoldenEye, when the entire film unit went off to Monte Carlo and St. Petersburg and I only had three days in Watford, I'd been begging them to let me out from behind my desk," she continued. "Well, they did finally let me out from behind my desk... and they shot me."
"Apparently, it was Daniel's idea to have me killed. But first I had to suffer the indignity of being sacked by Ralph Fiennes.
Arsehole (laughs)," Dench quipped. Dench, who first took on the role in 1995's GoldenEye opposite Pierce Brosnan, then revealed that the decision had been made to kill off her character.
The veteran actress noted that while she had long requested more active screen time, the finality of the character's death was a surprise. Her tenure as M remains one of the most iconic portrayals in the franchise's history, bridging the gap between the eras of Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig.
The revelation provides a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the creative process of the Bond franchise. It highlights the collaborative nature of the films, where lead actors like Craig often have significant input into the narrative arcs of their co-stars.
Dench's memoir is expected to provide further insights into her illustrious career. Fans of the 007 series have long speculated about the decision-making process behind the major character shifts in the Skyfall installment.
The film, which was a massive critical and commercial success, marked a turning point for the franchise. The emotional weight of M's departure added a layer of depth that resonated with audiences worldwide.
As Dench reflects on her time as the head of MI6, her humor and professional grace remain evident. Her legacy as M continues to influence how the character is perceived in modern cinema.
The industry continues to celebrate Dench's contributions, acknowledging that her portrayal of M redefined the role for future generations of actors.