Daniel Craig is My Favourite Bond: Hollywood Star Naomie Harris

Naomie Harris aka Eve Moneypenny of Bond films Skyfall (2012) and Spectre says Daniel Craig is the real deal.

Naomie Harris aka Eve Moneypenny of Bond films Skyfall (2012) and Spectre, which releases in India on November 20th, tells The Quint all about her favourite Bond hero and her pivotal role in the latest Bond movie, Spectre.

Q: In Spectre, are you out in the field or working in the office?

I am working inside the office but then I also go out sometimes. I like being behind the desk as well. It is not that boring behind the desk!

- Naomi Harris, Hollywood actor

Q: So did they make you take some admin training?

Actually, you know what? Sam Mendes (Director) did ask whether I wanted to go on a typing course. I was like, ‘Noooo, thank you. Not necessary!’

Q: Do you enjoy the fact that the women in Bond films are very proactive?

Yes. That is really important and I am so excited to see that, because I think it would be an imbalanced story if it were just led by the men, and the women were just arm candy and didn’t have anything to offer. It makes for a much more interesting and dynamic story if the sexes are equal and they both have something to offer. Also, there is this sort of friction between them and an equality and respect. I think the audience prefers it, both men and women. No one wants someone who is too much of an easy kill, or an easy lay!

Q: Like Skyfall, is there much frisson between Bond and Moneypenny in Spectre?

Of course! There always is a frisson between Bond and Moneypenny, absolutely. And I think that is one of the fun things to play with in the role because, ultimately, she is in love with this guy. You really see that in this movie as well, but she is too professional to cross that line, as is he. She certainly wouldn’t act upon it and it is great to see how far you can push that.

Q: Like most of us, have you been following Bond movies?

I have always loved Bond movies. As a kid, I watched them growing up and I always associated Bond with Christmas, because there were always reruns of Bond movies on TV at Christmas time. My family would sit down and watch a Bond movie and so I have always had this love affair with them, especially at that time of year when it is cold, grey and depressing outside, and then you see this amazing movie where people are going off to exotic locations and they are glamorous and wealthy. It was always exciting for me.

Q: And, who is your favourite Bond?

My favourite Bond? Of course, it is Daniel Craig.

Q: And before Daniel Craig?

Sean Connery. It is not the number of films he did. His magnetism, his power, his manliness and his strength, and the fact that you totally believe that he is Bond. He is the ultimate Bond!

Q: Is Daniel Craig as impressive in real life as he is in the film?

Yes, he definitely is. He is Bond. He is very much like his character.

Q: He says that he is nothing like the character…?

What! No way! Okay, well then, he has fooled me, because to me he is like the real deal. He is quite playful, though. Daniel has very much got the child alive in him and he has a great sense of humour, so maybe he is talking about that. Maybe he is talking about his goofy side, which perhaps Bond doesn’t have.

Q: And he also says he wants to stop playing Bond.

To say that he doesn’t want to come back - I just don’t believe it for a second. It’s been blown completely out of proportion. Daniel worked 128 days on this movie and he works incredibly hard.