AceShowbiz - Daniel Craig, known for his portrayal of James Bond in five films across 15 years, has spoken candidly about his reservations regarding the character's stereotypical masculinity.

"One of my biggest reservations about playing Bond was the construct of masculinity," Craig stated in an interview with The New Yorker, while promoting his limited U.S. theatrical release of "Queer". "It's often ridiculous, but you can't mock it and expect it to work. You have to buy into it," he admitted.

Craig, who has ventured into diverse roles since his time as 007, including "Queer" and Rian Johnson's "Knives Out" universe, played Bond in "Casino Royale" (2006), "Quantum of Solace" (2008), "Skyfall" (2012), "Spectre" (2015), and "No Time to Die" (2021). The actor has expressed no regrets about leaving the franchise, a decision cemented by his character's sacrifice at the end of the latest film.

"The vulnerability of human beings is fascinating," Craig continued, connecting the "artificial" concept of masculinity to his portrayal of William S. Burroughs in "Queer". "Everyone is vulnerable, regardless of their toughness. But it's how boys are raised, how men are expected to behave that shapes our expectations."

Craig added, "Bond was almost 20 years of my life. When I started, I was a different person. I'm not doing 'Queer' as a response to Bond, but I couldn't have done it while playing him. It would have felt like a contradiction."

After shedding the Bond persona, Craig expressed a sense of liberation and eagerness to explore different roles. He also acknowledged the loss of anonymity that came with the franchise's fame.

"Queer", set in 1950s Mexico City and based on Burroughs' novella, depicts an American ex-pat who finds himself drawn to a younger student.