Daniel Craig’s surprising transformation at the Venice Film Festival has left fans stunned as the former James Bond ditches his iconic look for a bold new style — and it’s causing quite a stir.
The 56-year-old actor made a stylish appearance at the Venice Film Festival, showcasing a striking new hairstyle that left fans both stunned and excited.
A user comment on Daniel Craig’s look, dated September 4, 2024 | Source: Instagram/entertainmenttonight
Accompanied by his wife, actress Rachel Weisz, Craig attended the 81st annual Venice International Film Festival, where he debuted his new look. Craig’s longer, light brunette hair, subtly streaked with silver strands, flowed just above his shoulders.
Daniel Craig on September 3, 2024, in Venice, Italy | Source: Getty Images
He styled his hair with a side part, allowing the bangs to gently cascade across his forehead, reaching down to his nose. The sides of his hair extended just past the top of his ears, with a slightly shorter back, creating a fresh and casual style.
A user comment on Daniel Craig’s look, dated September 4, 2024 | Source: Instagram/entertainmenttonight
For one of his appearances, the “Skyfall” star opted for a relaxed yet stylish outfit. He was seen in a crisp white dress shirt with rolled-up sleeves, paired with blue cuffed jeans and clean white sneakers.
Daniel Craig on September 3, 2024, in Venice, Italy | Source: Getty Images
His accessories included a striped watch band and black sunglasses that added a touch of cool to his overall look. This laid-back attire complemented his new hairstyle, making him stand out during the “Queer” photocall at the festival.
Daniel Craig on September 3, 2024, in Venice, Italy | Source: Getty Images
Later, Craig turned heads again on the red carpet alongside Weisz, sporting a completely different and more sophisticated ensemble.
Rachel Weisz and Daniel Craig on September 03, 2024, in Venice, Italy | Source: Getty Images
He wore a sleek off-white suit, paired with a classic white shirt underneath. His stylish look was completed with dark sunglasses and brown shoes, giving him a dapper yet effortlessly chic appearance.
Daniel Craig on September 3, 2024, in Venice, Italy | Source: Getty Images
Weisz, matching his elegance, wore a stunning navy blue gown adorned with sequins that perfectly highlighted her figure. The gown featured a dramatic train that swept across the red carpet as the couple walked hand-in-hand.
Rachel Weisz and Daniel Craig on September 03, 2024, in Venice, Italy | Source: Getty Images
Weisz completed her glamorous look with bold red lipstick, loose waves cascading over her shoulders, and an elegant diamond necklace that sparkled under the festival lights.
Rachel Weisz and Daniel Craig on September 03, 2024, in Venice, Italy | Source: Getty Images
Craig’s transformation did not go unnoticed, sparking a flurry of reactions online as fans struggled to recognize the suave actor. One user wrote, “Looks better than ever!!” Another commented, “Omg, wow, new version of James Bond? 🔥 [sic]”
Daniel Craig on September 03, 2024, in Venice, Italy | Source: Getty Images
Some fans were delighted with his new style, appreciating his natural aging, with one stating, “He’s aging so gracefully. Bless him.” Another added, “I almost didn’t recognize him! He is still sexier than ever.” A fan even exclaimed, “I love the longer hair,” showing support for Craig’s new look.
Daniel Craig on September 03, 2024, in Venice, Italy | Source: Getty Images
However, not everyone was impressed. Some expressed their surprise and confusion, with comments like, “That doesn’t even look like him!” and another one saying, “That’s Daniel Craig?? Oh my gosh I didn’t recognize him.”
A few were more critical of his style choices, with one remarking, “He needs to cut that hair.” The drastic change from his usual clean-cut Bond image to this laid-back, grown-out look left fans divided.
Daniel Craig on September 3, 2024, in Venice, Italy | Source: Getty Images
This isn’t the first time Craig has flaunted his long locks. Known for his traditionally short hairstyles during his Bond days, Craig first showcased his longer hair during his Loewe Fall Winter 2024 campaign back in July.
Daniel Craig in the LOEWE Fall Winter 2024 men’s campaign, dated July 25, 2024 | Source: Instagram/loewe
In the campaign, Craig’s bangs were styled with a side part and flared out at the ends, creating a distinctive and polished look that marked a clear departure from his clean-cut spy days.
Daniel Craig in the LOEWE Fall Winter 2024 men’s campaign, dated July 25, 2024 | Source: Instagram/loewe
In one image, Craig is seen wearing a chunky knit sweater with a bold pattern, exuding a rugged, carefree vibe. His hair, tousled and styled with a natural flow, complements his laid-back pose.
In another shot, he dons a leather jacket paired with a simple black tee and tan pants, emphasizing his effortlessly cool yet edgy appearance. His hair, longer than ever, falls messily across his forehead, giving him a rebellious yet refined look that’s hard to ignore.
Daniel Craig in the LOEWE Fall Winter 2024 men’s campaign, dated July 14, 2024 | Source: Instagram/loewe
This campaign marked a significant moment in Craig’s style evolution, showcasing his willingness to experiment with his appearance even as he steps away from his most famous role.
Craig’s appearance at the Venice Film Festival coincides with the promotion of his latest movie, “Queer,” directed by Luca Guadagnino. The film marks a significant shift from Craig’s previous roles, as he steps away from his action-packed past to embrace a more intimate, character-driven story.
Daniel Craig, Luca Guadagnino, and Drew Starkey on September 03, 2024, in Venice, Italy | Source: Getty Images
Daniel Craig, Drew Starkey and Luca Guadagnino on September 3, 2024, in Venice, Italy | Source: Getty Images
In “Queer,” Craig plays a drug-addicted American living in 1950s Mexico who becomes infatuated with a younger man, portrayed by Drew Starkey. The role is a dramatic change from the smooth, womanizing Bond character that Craig portrayed for over 15 years.
Drew Starkey, Luca Guadagnino, and Daniel Craig on September 3, 2024, in Venice, Italy | Source: Getty Images
Discussing his new role, Craig explained that he was eager to work with Guadagnino, known for his acclaimed film “Call Me by Your Name.” Craig said, “I just wanted to work with him for so long. … I met him 20 years ago, yeah, nearly, yes, and we always said we’d work together eventually …, and we did.”
Daniel Craig on September 03, 2024, in Venice, Italy | Source: Getty Images
Craig also highlighted the challenging and collaborative nature of the project, adding, “We worked very hard together and so we just sort of threw ourselves into it, into kind of, you know, into the whole thing.”
Guadagnino’s adaptation of William S. Burroughs’ unfinished novel dives deep into themes of isolation, desire, and addiction.
Drew Starkey, Luca Guadagnino, and Daniel Craig on September 3, 2024, in Venice, Italy | Source: Getty Images
The film, which features explicit love scenes between Craig and Starkey’s characters, has already started generating buzz in the cinema world. However, Craig remains unfazed by any controversy the film might stir, stating, “I don’t think about it. No, I mean, what’s the point? You know, I can’t control it.”
Daniel Craig and Drew Starkey on September 03, 2024, in Venice, Italy | Source: Getty Images
Drew Starkey Daniel Craig on September 3, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
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The movie’s director, Guadagnino, praised Craig’s performance, noting, “Daniel has been so beautifully naked in terms of the soul in this movie that this is going to be the thing that people will connect with, no matter how naked he is on the screen.”
Luca Guadagnino and Daniel Craig on September 03, 2024, in Venice, Italy | Source: Getty Images
Craig’s career has been marked by bold choices and significant transformations. His farewell to James Bond in 2021’s “No Time To Die” was both celebrated and bittersweet. Reflecting on his time as the world’s most famous spy, Craig told “The New York Times”:
“I’ll miss the massive team effort that it takes. It’s nearly five years since we started this project… but there’s nothing quite like a Bond movie.”
Daniel Craig on September 28, 2021, in London, England | Source: Getty Images
When asked if he would miss playing the character, Craig said, “I’ve done him. I’ve given all I can. He’s as there as he’ll ever be for me.” Craig’s evolution from Bond to his current role reflects his desire to explore complex characters and push boundaries.
Daniel Craig on September 3, 2024, in Venice, Italy | Source: Getty Images
Whether he’s portraying a sophisticated spy or a disheveled and conflicted man grappling with his desires, Craig’s dedication to his craft and his willingness to surprise audiences remain undeniable.
Daniel Craig on November 23, 2022, in London, England | Source: Getty Images
As Craig continues to redefine himself on-screen and off, his ever-evolving style and fearless choices both in fashion and in film keep him at the forefront of Hollywood’s most talked-about stars.
Daniel Craig on September 03, 2024, in Venice, Italy | Source: Getty Images
The actor, once defined by his sharp suits and sleek hair, is now embracing change with every strand — and fans are watching every step of the way.