In 1962, the first James Bond film, “Dr. No,” made an impact on audiences everywhere. The film featured a young Sean Connery as a British secret agent who traveled the globe to fight deadly assassins and rendezvous with femme fatales.
Growing up watching Connery and Roger Moore play Agent 007, actor JoaquÃn CosÃo believes the opportunity to star in a James Bond movie was part of his destiny. CosÃo, who was born in Nayarit, México, stars in the newest James Bond film “Quantum of Solace” as General Medrano, an exiled political figure. According to CosÃo, his character is a “classic villain that makes up the James Bond franchise.”
During an interview with me, CosÃo, who started his career in Mexican theater, talked to me about what it was like to be a part of the popular espionage series.
“Quantum of Solace” is your first English-language feature film. How was the experience?
It was a great experience for me to make a film of this dimension. It’s such a global story. I’m very proud because it has been a [dream] to be a part of such a great cast and to be led by a great director like Marc Forster. It’s a very important experience in my professional life. It was also very enjoyable and memorable.
Did you grow up watching James Bond films?
Starting in my adolescence, James Bond has been part of my life. I remember watching all the films of Sean Connery. The current saga starting with “Casino Royale” interested me. I feel that in this new series, the characters are more real. It has a new realistic tone.
What was it like to be on the set with an actor like Daniel Craig?
In the movie, I related a lot to everyone, in particular Daniel. My relationship with everyone was stupendous. I worked with Mathieu Amalric and it was extraordinary. I had a formidable experience. I feel very proud that I interacted with [such] recognized actors.
Would you like to continue to make more English films?
If I have more opportunities to make foreign films, I’m ready to do it. My perspective is that I’m not a Hollywood actor, but I am ready to work. Participating in this movie opens up other opportunities to star in other films.
Why do you think a franchise like James Bond has been popular for so long?
James Bond is a character that continues to be popular because it adapts to the current time. Now, he responds to the demands of the public. This character continues being mythic. He is a necessary character for iconography. He is a hero with principals necessary for contemporary fiction.