Cast and Crew of Casino Royale

Casino Royale

In the movie 'Casino Royale', viewers are introduced to a captivating cast of characters, each playing a pivotal role in the unfolding drama. The lead character, James Bond, is portrayed by Daniel Craig, who brings a gritty realism and raw intensity to the iconic role. Alongside him is the enigmatic Vesper Lynd, played by Eva Green, who adds a layer of complexity and intrigue to the story.

The plot revolves around a high-stakes poker game set in Montenegro, where the primary antagonist, Le Chiffre, a banker to the world's terrorists, plans to use his winnings to solidify his financial control over the terrorist market. This game is not just about money, but also about power and influence in the dangerous world of international terrorism.

To thwart Le Chiffre's plans, M, the head of MI6, assigns Bond his first mission as a 00 Agent. Bond, with the assistance of Vesper Lynd and CIA operative Felix Leiter, enters the game, knowing that the stakes are higher than ever before. This is not just another mission for Bond, but a test of his skills and a chance to prove himself as a 00 Agent. The game of poker becomes a metaphor for the high-risk world of espionage, where every move could be the difference between life and death.

Main Cast of Casino Royale

Daniel Craig as James Bond

Daniel Craig

James Bond
Daniel Craig's portrayal of James Bond in "Casino Royale" marked a significant departure from his predecessors, bringing a grittier, more nuanced performance to the iconic role. Craig embodied a Bond who was both physically imposing and emotionally complex, stripping away some of the suave invulnerability that characterized earlier interpretations. His performance was lauded for its intensity and the way it delved into the character's origins, showing a more vulnerable side of the secret agent as he earns his 00 status and navigates the treacherous world of high-stakes poker against the enigmatic Le Chiffre. Craig's Bond was not just a lady's man with a license to kill; he was a man grappling with trust, betrayal, and the harsh realities of a profession that demands cold-hearted efficiency. His raw, less refined approach to the character's demeanor and actions revitalized the franchise, setting a new standard for the Bond series and solidifying Craig's place in the pantheon of actors who have brought Ian Fleming's spy to life.
Eva Green as Vesper Lynd

Eva Green

Vesper Lynd
Eva Green delivered a captivating performance as Vesper Lynd in the 2006 film "Casino Royale," bringing depth and complexity to the iconic role of James Bond's love interest. Her portrayal of Vesper was a modern reinvention of the character, originally created by Ian Fleming. Green's Vesper was not merely a damsel in distress but a strong, intelligent, and multi-layered individual with her own secrets and motivations. She matched Daniel Craig's rugged Bond with a cool, sharp-witted demeanor, and their chemistry was palpable, adding a genuine emotional intensity to the film. Eva Green's performance was praised for its nuance; she conveyed Vesper's strength, vulnerability, and ultimate tragedy with a poise that made her character's impact on Bond—and the audience—indelible. Her ability to bring a sense of intrigue and emotional resonance to the character was instrumental in redefining the Bond girl archetype for a new generation, setting a high bar for future installments of the franchise.
Mads Mikkelsen as Le Chiffre

Mads Mikkelsen

Le Chiffre
Mads Mikkelsen delivered a captivating performance as the primary antagonist, Le Chiffre, in the 2006 James Bond film "Casino Royale." His portrayal of the calculating, mathematical genius with a physical flaw—a bleeding eye due to haemolacria—added a distinct layer of complexity to the character. Mikkelsen's Le Chiffre is both menacing and vulnerable; he is a man under pressure, desperate to win the high-stakes poker game against Bond to repay his debts to terrorists. Mikkelsen's nuanced acting, characterized by a chilling stillness punctuated by moments of intense emotion, created a villain who was not only a worthy adversary to Daniel Craig's newly minted 007 but also a sympathetic character in his own right. His interactions with Bond are charged with a palpable tension, making their conflict as mental as it is physical. Mikkelsen's performance was widely praised for bringing depth and sophistication to Le Chiffre, making him one of the most memorable villains in the Bond franchise.
Judi Dench as M

Judi Dench

M
Judi Dench reprises her role as M, the head of MI6, in the 2006 James Bond film "Casino Royale," bringing a commanding presence and sharp intelligence to the screen. In this installment, Dench's M is instrumental in the development of Daniel Craig's fledgling 007, offering a nuanced portrayal of a seasoned spymaster who is both mentor and superior to Bond. Dench's performance is a masterclass in subtlety; with piercing gaze and clipped tones, she conveys M's steely resolve and no-nonsense approach to espionage. Her interactions with Bond are laden with a complex mix of respect, exasperation, and genuine concern, highlighting the intricate dynamics between the two characters. Dench's M is not just a backdrop to the action; she is pivotal to the plot, pushing Bond to his limits while navigating the treacherous politics of international espionage. Her performance adds depth to the film, showcasing her ability to convey strength and vulnerability in equal measure, making her an indelible part of the Bond franchise's legacy.
Jeffrey Wright as Felix Leiter

Jeffrey Wright

Felix Leiter
Jeffrey Wright delivered a commanding and nuanced performance as Felix Leiter in the 2006 film "Casino Royale," marking a significant departure from previous incarnations of the character. Wright brought a sense of gravitas and authenticity to the role, portraying Leiter as a seasoned and pragmatic CIA agent with a complex relationship with Daniel Craig's James Bond. His interpretation of Leiter as a cool-headed operative with a dry wit and an unwavering moral compass provided a perfect counterbalance to Bond's more volatile nature. Wright's performance was characterized by his ability to convey a deep sense of loyalty and camaraderie, while also subtly hinting at the political and ethical tensions that simmer beneath the surface of international espionage. His on-screen chemistry with Craig was palpable, and their interactions lent a layer of depth to the storied alliance between their characters. Wright's Leiter was not just a sidekick but a fully realized character in his own right, and his presence in "Casino Royale" was instrumental in grounding the film's high-stakes drama and action in a sense of real-world plausibility.
Giancarlo Giannini as Mathis

Giancarlo Giannini

Mathis
Giancarlo Giannini's portrayal of René Mathis in the 2006 James Bond film "Casino Royale" is a standout performance that brings depth and complexity to the character. As Bond's ally and a fellow operative in the British Secret Service, Mathis is a role that requires a blend of sophistication, intelligence, and a touch of ambiguity, all of which Giannini delivers with aplomb. His Mathis is not just a sidekick; he is a seasoned spy with his own mystery, whose loyalty to Bond is tested and whose true allegiances are part of the film's intricate plot. Giannini's nuanced performance is characterized by an understated charisma and a subtle interplay of trust and suspicion, which keeps the audience guessing about his character's intentions. His chemistry with Daniel Craig's Bond is palpable, and their interactions are laced with both camaraderie and tension, contributing to the film's atmosphere of betrayal and double-dealing. Giannini's Mathis is a memorable character, whose fate in the film adds a layer of emotional gravitas to Bond's journey, making Giannini's performance a highlight of the Bond franchise's reboot with "Casino Royale."
Caterina Murino as Solange

Caterina Murino

Solange
Simon Abkarian as Alex Dimitrios

Simon Abkarian

Alex Dimitrios

Crew of Casino Royale

Full backstage crew list →