Summary

Superman's David Corenswet proposes a unique theory about James Bond's first kills in Casino Royale.
The theory challenges the traditional interpretation of the opening scene in Casino Royale.
Corenswet's theory makes a lot of sense and adds a new layer to James Bond's character development.

Superman star David Corenswet has been doing heavy press for the new superhero film. During one interview, the actor shared a unique theory about James Bond in Casino Royale. Even more fascinating is how well-reasoned the theory is, demonstrating an exceptional understanding of 007 and his origins as a spy.

Casino Royale is often regarded as one of James Bond's best outings, which Corenswet agrees with. The 2006 movie was a reboot for the franchise following Pierce Brosnan's tenure as the globe-trotting super-spy, seeing Daniel Craig step into the role and beginning a memorable run of films. To set itself apart, the franchise chose to tell a classic James Bond story, even giving audiences a glimpse at how he earned his 007 status. It is that glimpse at his origins that pertains to Corenswet's theory.

Sydney Sweeney Is The Wrong Choice To Be The Next James Bond Girl, And This Is Why

Sydney Sweeney has been linked to taking on a role in the upcoming James Bond movie, but she's not the right choice at this time.

Posts

By Matthew Wilkinson

How Casino Royale Shows James Bond Earning His 007 Status

Casino Royale opens with a black-and-white scene that depicts James Bond making the two kills needed to become a double-0 agent. It begins with a calm moment where Bond has a treasonous MI6 agent held at gunpoint. They have a conversation about how making the second kill is easier than the first, prompting it to flash back to Bond's first kill.

Bond's first kill is less than smooth, showing him forced to drown a man in a bathroom in a brutal moment. It sets itself apart, proving to audiences that this won't be the same James Bond they have come to know, before returning to the smoother-looking version holding a gun on his target. He then kills the traitorous agent in a quick, smooth fashion with a silenced gun, as a pointed way of showing how much easier his second kill was than his first.

However, the scene doesn't end there. It flashes back to the bathroom, where Bond's first kill wakes up, showing he hadn't been drowned. Bond then turns and shoots that target, prompting the start of the opening credits sequence, which embraces the style of past Bond films via song and imagery.

David Corenswet's Unique Theory About The Opening Scene Of Casino Royale

David Corenswet's theory comes into play with the flashback to the first target, and the ease with which James Bond turns to shoot the man he thought he had drowned. As a fan of Bond and Casino Royale, Corenswet delves into the logistics of the moment. Even beyond what the scene means for James Bond earning his 007 status, Corenswet speaks about the human mindset at that moment and how it motivated the ease of the gunshot that starts the opening credits. If the actor is right, it changes the dynamic of the moment. While appearing on the Royal Court, Corenswet excitedly recapped the scene and shared his theory about James Bond.

Corenswet posits that James Bond made his first kill by drowning the man in the sink. For all he knew at the moment, the man was dead. Therefore, when he shot him with ease moments later when he turned out to still be alive, this ultimately proved to be Bond's second, easier kill. Rather than the moment Bond shoots the treasonous agent in the office being his second kill, Corsenswet's theory states that, at least emotionally, Bond made both his kills — the hard one (drowning) and the easy one (shooting) — on the same person. This makes the kill in the office even easier for Bond, who would be emotionally experiencing his third kill.

Corenswet’s Theory About James Bond’s First Kills Makes A Lot Of Sense

From a mentality and human experience standpoint, Corenswet makes a lot of sense. Sure, it was a kill-or-be-killed moment for James Bond, meaning that he didn't have a choice, forcing him to shoot the man in the bathroom. However, it was still something he did with ease, rather than the initial struggle to drown him, which does indicate that he has emotionally experienced both via one interaction.

Some fans may feel this detracts from the pointed nature of the office kill, which makes its own statement about the ease of making the second kill. However, given that shooting the man in the restroom kicks off the credits, it truly serves as the second earned kill, as it is the last one the audience sees before the rest of the film starts and the black-and-white sequence ends.

While the true intentions of the structure can be debated, James Bond is due for another reboot, which is bound to see its own interpretation. Dune director Denis Villeneuve has signed on to direct. The reboot is said to focus on a younger James Bond, but much about their plans remains to be seen. However, it is an exciting new start for the characters, much like Casino Royale was, with eagle-eyed fans like Superman's David Corenswet ready to analyze Villeneuve's influence on the franchise.

Rating block community and brand ratings Image