When two great actors come together to discuss their past experiences on the big screen, it’s bound to be a fascinating conversation. And that’s precisely what happened when James Bond star Daniel Craig and Danish legend Mads Mikkelsen sat down for the first episode of Dream Teams, Variety’s series that pairs collaborators who caught lightning in a bottle. The two actors first worked together on the 2006 film Casino Royale, and have since gone on to impressive acting careers.
In their conversation, they discussed Mikkelsen’s latest film Another Round, for which he won critical acclaim and an Oscar, as well as their experiences working together on Casino Royale.
Casino Royale‘s Dynamic Duo: Daniel Craig Praises Mads Mikkelsen’s Work in Another Round
Daniel Craig and Mads Mikkelsen‘s working relationship began during the casting of Casino Royale in 2006. During the virtual interview, the actors reminisced about their first meeting, which took place during a costume fitting. Director Martin Campbell came up to them during a smoke break and told Mikkelsen that he had the part of Le Chiffre, the film’s villain, without the need for an audition.
The moment was memorable, with Craig quipping,
“Who did you f*ck, I did six castings for this?”
This amusing introduction was the beginning of a long-standing friendship and a unique on-screen partnership.
During the discussion, Craig praised Mikkelsen’s beautiful work in the film and how he could see everything going on with his character. Mikkelsen’s performance in Another Round has earned him critical acclaim worldwide, with Craig sending him an email after watching the film, praising his work.
“There’s so much going on and there’s nothing going on, it’s like you’re kind of dead but you’re not dead and it’s like a deer caught in the headlights. You’re watching your life slowly pass by, slowly happen in front of you. I felt like I could see everything going on with you.”
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Craig also inquired about reuniting with Thomas Vinterberg, with whom Mikkelsen had previously collaborated on The Hunt. Mikkelsen revealed that the idea for Another Round was pitched to him by Vinterberg seven years ago, as a tribute to alcohol and its effects. However, Mikkelsen also acknowledged that the film was ultimately a story about life, like all of Vinterberg’s films.
Refusing to Return for a Remake
Despite his success in Another Round, Mikkelsen has declined to return for a Hollywood remake of the film with Leonardo DiCaprio. Mads Mikkelsen in an interview with Indie Wire, commented on the idea of the DiCaprio remake, claiming:
“I’m glad not to be part of it. This is what we did. Unlike theater, where you can do it one year and do it again a couple of years later, the little moments we do in films are happening right here and now — something interesting your fellow actor brings on set that day.
I would probably want to change these scenes again. It can never happen. It’s a tricky thing to replay the same character. It’s better off in someone else’s hands.”
While Mikkelsen has declined to return for a Hollywood remake of the film, his work in the original is sure to stand the test of time. Mikkelsen’s talent as an actor is undeniable, and his performances in both Another Round and Casino Royale will undoubtedly remain memorable for years to come.
Source: Variety
