Daniel Craig reveals he ‘flatly ignored’ one key stage direction when making Knives Out
Actor made the admission during an appearance on ‘The Graham Norton Show’
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Daniel Craig has revealed he “flatly ignored” one key stage direction while making the 2019 murder mystery film Knives Out.
In the film, Craig plays the southern sleuth Benoit Blanc, a role he is now reprising in the Netflix-produced sequel Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery.
The James Bond star drew praise for his comic portrayal of the character, employing a thick accent likened by several critics to that of cartoon rooster Foghorn Leghorn.
During an appearance on The Graham Norton Show on Friday (25 November), Craig discussed how his characterisation of Blanc diverged from what was originally in the script.
“There was a very small stage direction in the script that said Benoit Blanc has a subtle, lilting southern accent, which I clearly flatly ignored!” he joked.
‘Weinstein said, “Alfred. What the f***’s going on?”’ Alfred Molina on his brush with the disgraced mogul, making Marvel movies and his preferred spin on sexuality
Wednesday forever! How a pre-teen goth weirdo became a hero to kids everywhere
Freddie Prinze Jr says he was ‘so angry’ to be asked to take pay cut for Scooby-Doo sequel so costars could get raise
Craig then discussed Glass Onion, which features a number of surprise celebrity cameos – including one from the late Angela Lansbury.
“It was her very last screen performance,” he told host Graham Norton. “She was so game. I was a fan – Bedknobs and Broomsticks is still one of my favourite movies.”
Craig was also asked about the possibility of more Knives Outfilms in the future. After the success of the original Knives Out, Netflix agreed a deal with Craig and director Rian Johnson to produce two sequels, but the possibility of further instalments down the line remains open.
“Rian and I talk about it all the time,” Craig admitted. “We will make them as long as people laugh and enjoy them, and we will walk away when they don’t.”
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled
In a press conference earlier this year, Johnson was asked about Benoit Blanc’s sexuality, and confirmed that the character is in fact LGBT+.
Speaking earlier this week, Craig said that he didn’t want fans to get “politically hung up” on the character’s sexuality.
Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery is in cinemas until 29 November, before arriving on Netflix on 23 December.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments