Casting Daniel Craig as James Bond inCasino Royale(2006) was a polarizing but ultimately well-received decision that took theJames Bondfranchise in a new direction, resulting in five more 007 movies starring Daniel Craig. The previous two movies in the franchise, starring Pierce Brosnan, had been considered over the top and even campy, a style that was falling out of fashion in favor of grittier, more realistic action movies. Daniel Craig’s James Bond revived the franchise, but before they changed the tone for 007,two writersbroke their ‘Bond streak’ with aJames Bondparody.
The darker feel to Daniel Craig’s 007 gave the James Bond character a new dimension.
In the spy action comedyJohnny English, an incompetent MI7 agent is sent to protect the British Crown Jewels and stop a French billionaire from becoming King of England. Parodies don’t tend to perform well at the box office but,while critics gave it mixed reviews,Johnny Englishwas a commercial successand topped the UK box office for three weekends.British comedy legend Rowan Atkinsonstarred in the title role, and two importantBondfranchise writers were the masterminds behind the film.
How Every James Bond Actor Changed 007 Movies
From Moore’s camp humor, to Dalton’s tough edge, to Craig’s sensitive side, every James Bond actor brings something new to the role of super-spy 007.
Neal Purvis & Robert Wade Wrote James Bond & The 007 Parody Johnny English
James Bond Writers Played To The Actors' Strengths When Revamping The 007 Franchise
BeforeCasino Royale, writers Neal Purvis and Robert Wade had worked on the previous twomovies in theJames Bondfranchise:The World Is Not EnoughandDie Another Day.Between these and Daniel Craig’s first Bond movie, they wroteJohnny English. Though they had not planned to write a James Bond parody, the project evolved, with the duo comparing the title character to Atkinson’s creation, Mr Bean.Rowan Atkinson’s most iconic rolesare often authority figures placed in situations completely beyond their abilities, and describingJohnny Englishas ‘Mr Bean plays James Bond’ does not feel too inaccurate.
Wade and Purvis said in an interview withBBC News, ‘When you have an actor, you play to his strengths.’ Johnny Englishuses Atkinson’s talent for physical comedy, similar to how the writer duo worked with Pierce Brosnan’s gifts to create a version of James Bond unique to him. Likewise,the darker feel of Daniel Craig’s 007gave the character a new dimension.Craig’s Bond movies played to the toughness that Wade and Purvis saw in him, just as Johnny Englishplayed to Atkinson’s raw comedic talent. This demonstrated the writers' versatility throughout the genre, even with a parody.
Johnny English Is James Bond’s Most Authentic Parody
Purvis And Wade’s Familiarity With 007 Makes Johnny English Work
TheJames Bondfranchise is often considered a celebration of Britain, andJohnny Englishcontinues this tradition while also making lighthearted fun of it. For example, Queen Elizabeth II leaves her position when one of her beloved corgis is threatened.Johnny Englishlovingly skewers the character of James Bond. Bond is self-assured, stylish, and irresistible to women, while English is only self-assured, at least, until he is broadcast to the entire world dancing in the shower toABBA.Movies likeAustin Powershave parodied James Bond, butJohnny Englishis an expert spoof of both the character and the franchise.
A thirdJohnny Englishsequel was announced in February 2024, with filming due to begin in the UK and Malta the same year.
Wade and Purvis have worked together for over thirty years, read Ian Fleming’s original books, and were fans of the movies even before being hired by producer Barbara Broccoli. Having watched and writtenJames Bondmovies,their familiarity with the character and franchise as both fans and insiders has allowed them to write the most authentic 007parody.Johnny Englishcontinues to be the best spoof ofJames Bond, and while Purvis and Wade were not involved with either of theJohnny Englishsequels, they have continued to be important to theBondfranchise up throughNo Time To Die.
