Actually the Craig films 2006-today have reset the character back nearer to Fleming’s bond, just as Dalton did in the late 80’s.
To a certain extent they have, but I still prefer Dalton over Craig. Fleming’s Bond was dangerous, certainly, and had an edge, but he was not a bodybuilder by any stretch of the imagination. There is something a little *too* indestructible about Craig that doesn’t sit quite right for me.
The Scottish/Swiss background to Bond was only added after Connery was such a success in the role. James Bond was really partly Ian Fleming, and partly the Ian Fleming he wished to be.
There are several facets to the Bond character and although fashions and styles change (Connery’s 1971 Diamonds Are Forever could easily have been a Roger Moore film) I think each actor brought something to the role, and nailed one particular facet. Moore sometimes gets a rough-ride these days, but he brought out the snobbery and elegance of the original character, better than anyone else.
Also, assuming that Craig makes another film after SPECTRE (possibly another two) then Idris Elba would be a little too old for the role in any case.
Im sorry....watched the first 2 craig films. they were entertaining modern action movies, and better than the previous, but to the point of absurdity. the one scene in a construction sight where bond and villain fought on a skeletal building was more superman than James Bond. not even remotely feasible.
I was glad they were able to do Casino Royale which had only been done as a joke back in the day and I refused to watch that old one. Craig is a good action performer, but he cant hold a candle to Sean Connery a for tough, yet suave Bond.
also I Will never ‘get’ M as a woman...not a job estrogen can handle.