Daniel Craig opens up about his ‘beautiful,’ explicit gay romance in ‘Queer’

Daniel Craig is pushing boundaries in his first major role since wrapping up his iconic portrayal of James Bond in No Time to Die. In Queer, the British actor sheds his 007 persona to explore a bold and provocative character, adapted from William S. Burroughs’ 1985 novel. Directed by Luca Guadagnino, Queer follows Lee (played by Craig), a drug-addicted expat in 1940s Mexico City, whose life takes an unexpected turn when he becomes infatuated with the enigmatic Allerton, portrayed by Drew Starkey.

The former James Bond star takes on a daring new role in Luca Guadagnino’s ‘Queer’

In Queer, Craig steps into the shoes of a complex character, far removed from the suave secret agent the world knows him for. Lee is a man in search of connection, navigating an intoxicating yet lonely world of passion and addiction. His romance with Allerton offers a deep dive into the messiness of desire, as he grapples with obsession, yearning, and the hope for emotional fulfillment.

Far from calling the role a departure, Craig explained that this kind of challenging project is something he’s always been drawn to. “Certainly the reason I wanted to get into cinema was because of movies like this,” Craig shared, reflecting on his earlier career, which included sensually provocative films like ‘Love is the Devil’ and ‘The Mother’.

Guadagnino’s vision and Craig’s performance

Queer, with its psychedelic sequences and explorations of sexuality, showcases director Guadagnino’s signature flair for blending sensuality with emotional intensity. The film’s more unconventional scenes, including an extended ayahuasca sequence, mark a departure from Burroughs’ original novel but highlight Guadagnino’s commitment to creating a unique cinematic experience. Craig, who had long wanted to collaborate with the acclaimed filmmaker, fully embraced the opportunity to step outside his usual action-hero persona for this “beautiful” and daring romance.