Christopher Nolan crowns an underrated 007 and film as his all-time Bond favourites
Christopher Nolan says Timothy Dalton’s James Bond era is the closest and best screen adaptation of Ian Fleming’s novels.
When Christopher Nolan was asked to reveal his favourite James Bond film and the actor he rates highest as 007, his answers were refreshingly unexpected. Speaking on Josh Horowitz’s Happy Sad Confused podcast during the release of Tenet, the director singled out On Her Majesty’s Secret Service as the film that stands above the rest in the long-running franchise.
Nolan, whose own work is peppered with homages to Bond, said his appreciation for the film is evident to anyone who’s seen Inception. As for his preferred Bond, he championed Timothy Dalton—a name often overshadowed by the likes of Connery, Moore or Craig. Nolan felt Dalton’s take was closest to Ian Fleming’s original literary version of the superspy, adding that it was a "fantastic" performance and a shame Dalton didn’t have the chance to appear in more films.
- Favourite Bond film: On Her Majesty’s Secret Service
- Favourite Bond actor: Timothy Dalton
Nolan reflected that while The Living Daylights impressed him, its climax disappointed him "in technical terms". He noted, too, that Licence to Kill is "aging better than expected". The director’s fondness for the Fleming-authentic, world-weary Bond is no secret, and he reckons Dalton captured that perfectly.
Asked if Bond’s influence still lingers over his work, Nolan admitted it’s difficult to shake off something that played such a big part in his childhood. Those early passions, he says, "stick with you". With Denis Villeneuve reportedly in line for the next Bond film, Nolan seems content to let others handle the franchise for now—but he didn’t close the door entirely on the possibility of a future Bond project.