Judi Dench Says Daniel Craig Pushed for M’s Death in Skyfall – Memoir Details Revealed

Background

Dame Judi Dench, who played MI6 chief M in eight James Bond films from *GoldenEye* (1995) to *Spectre* (2015), has opened up about the decision to kill her character in 2012’s *Skyfall*.

What Dench Says

In an excerpt from her forthcoming memoir _Is It Too Late to Make a Run For It?_ (published by Variety), Dench recounts a meeting at the Wolseley restaurant with producers Barbara Broccoli, Michael G. Wilson and director Sam Mendes. She says:

“I was taken to the Wolseley restaurant by Barbara, Michael and Sam – I don’t think Daniel Craig was there – and they outlined the plot and told me they were going to bump me off. My own fault, I suppose.”

Dench adds a tongue‑in‑cheek comment about finally being “let out from behind my desk” and then being “shot”. She attributes the idea of killing M to Daniel Craig, noting that she first had to endure being “sacked by Ralph Fiennes” before the decision was finalized.

“Apparently, it was Daniel’s idea to have me killed. But first I had to suffer the indignity of being sacked by Ralph Fiennes. Arsehole [laughs],”

Confirmed Facts vs. Reported Claims

• Confirmed: Dench played M from *GoldenEye* (1995) through *Spectre* (2015). Her character dies in *Skyfall* and appears posthumously in *Spectre*.
• Reported claim: Dench says Daniel Craig suggested the character’s death. The memoir excerpt is the source; no other production members have publicly confirmed or denied this.
• Unknown: Whether Craig formally pitched the idea to the producers or if the decision was a collaborative script choice remains unverified.

Production Turmoil on *Tomorrow Never Dies*

Dench also described 1997’s *Tomorrow Never Dies* as the most chaotic Bond film she worked on. She cited:

• Constant last‑minute rewrites.
• Overnight script deliveries that required memorising dozens of new pages before the next day’s shoot.
• A “permanent state of flux” that made the set feel unstable.

These remarks illustrate the high‑pressure environment typical of large‑scale franchise productions.

Practical Implications

• For fans: The anecdote adds a personal layer to the on‑screen death of M, highlighting how actor dynamics can influence story arcs.
• For industry observers: It underscores the informal power actors may wield in shaping franchise narratives, especially when they have long‑term tenure.
• Verification: Readers can cross‑check the claims by consulting the full memoir excerpt in Variety or waiting for the published memoir itself.

Related News: Next James Bond Search

While Dench reflects on past films, Amazon MGM Studios is actively casting a new James Bond. Reported frontrunners include Callum Turner, Jack Lowden, and Josh O’Connor. The search is ongoing, with no official announcement on the final choice.

Takeaway

Dench’s memoir excerpt provides a rare behind‑the‑scenes look at a pivotal creative decision in the Bond franchise. Whether Craig’s influence was decisive or part of a broader consensus, the story illustrates the collaborative—and sometimes contentious—nature of blockbuster filmmaking.

--- *All statements are attributed to Dench’s memoir excerpt and publicly reported casting rumors. No new facts have been invented.*