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No Time to Die

No Time to Die is a 2021 spy thriller film and the 25th film in the James Bond series.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

No Time to Die is a 2021 spy thriller film and the 25th film in the James Bond series. Directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga, it is Daniel Craig’s fifth and final film as James Bond. The plot follows Bond as he is drawn back into action to stop a bioterror plot involving a kidnapped scientist and deadly nanotechnology.

Plot

The film begins after Bond has retired from active service, but he is pulled back into a mission involving a kidnapped scientist and a weapon based on nanotechnology. The story escalates into a confrontation with Lyutsifer Safin and brings closure to Craig’s Bond era.

Production

No Time to Die was directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga and produced by Eon Productions with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. It was delayed multiple times before its 2021 release and was intended as the final entry in Daniel Craig’s run as Bond.

Cast and characters

Daniel Craig stars as James Bond, with Léa Seydoux as Madeleine Swann and Rami Malek as the antagonist Safin. The ensemble also includes Lashana Lynch, Ben Whishaw, Naomie Harris, Jeffrey Wright and Ana de Armas.

Release and reception

The film had its world premiere at the Royal Albert Hall in London and was released in the UK in September 2021 and in the US in October 2021. It was widely discussed as the conclusion of Craig’s Bond storyline.

Key facts

  • It is the fifth and final James Bond film starring Daniel Craig.
  • The film is a sequel to Spectre (2015).
  • Its story centres on Bond stopping a villain’s plan involving DNA-targeting nanobots.
  • Principal cast includes Daniel Craig, Léa Seydoux, Rami Malek, Lashana Lynch, Ana de Armas and Jeffrey Wright.
  • The film premiered in London on 28 September 2021 and opened in the UK on 30 September 2021.
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Canadian context

The film was distributed in Canada as part of the global James Bond franchise and is relevant to Canadian audiences as a major Hollywood release with wide theatrical and home-streaming availability.

Frequently asked questions

What is No Time to Die?
A 2021 James Bond spy thriller film and the 25th film in the series.
Who directed No Time to Die?
Cary Joji Fukunaga directed the film.
Is No Time to Die Daniel Craig’s last Bond film?
Yes. It is Daniel Craig’s fifth and final appearance as James Bond.
What is the film about?
Bond leaves retirement to help stop a bioterror plot involving a kidnapped scientist and dangerous nanotechnology.
Who sings the theme song?
Billie Eilish performs the title song, 'No Time to Die.'

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/No_Time_to_Die
    Supports: Basic identification as a 2021 James Bond film, 25th in the series, sequel to Spectre, starring Daniel Craig as Bond, and plot overview.
  2. James Bond 007 — https://www.007.com/the-films/no-time-to-die/
    Supports: Release dates, world premiere, director, and official franchise identification.
  3. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/no_time_to_die_2021
    Supports: Runtime, production companies, genre, synopsis, and main cast/crew details.
  4. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2382320/plotsummary/
    Supports: Plot details including Madeleine Swann’s childhood flashback and Safin’s role.
  5. Netflix — https://www.netflix.com/title/81198234
    Supports: Brief synopsis and principal cast listing.