The franchise seemed all but dead with the release of Die Another Day. Even Pierce Brosnan couldn’t save Bond from the incoherent storylines and unbelievable gadgets (invisible car), and it looked like Bond’s license to kill was going to be revoked.
Producers Barbara Broccoli, Dana Wilson Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson knew that the Franchise was in need of a major overhaul. The producers made an unorthodox choice by handing over the “‘00” title to a relatively unknown, Daniel Craig.
Director Martin Campbell, who saved the franchise with GoldenEye, was given the reins in order to help revitalize the franchise once again with Casino Royale. Campbell, with the help of screen writers Neil Purvis and Robert Wade wisely traded the gadgets and unbelievable story lines for an action packed emotionally charged Bond film.
From the opening chase scene to the end credits, Craig and crew brought James Bond back … with a vengeance! Casino Royale is considered one of the best Bond film in the franchise’s history. Daniel Craig’s Bond is strong, debonair and yet an emotionally damaged character, struggling to find his place “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service”.
Before seeing Spectre, I’d urge you to watch Casino Royale (2006) and SkyFall (2012).