Daniel Craig stepped out in London on Sunday night at a star-studded gala held in honour of the National Youth Theatre's 70th anniversary. 

The 58-year-old, who trained at the National Youth Theatre as an aspiring young actor in the 1980s, was one of a host of famous faces who performed on stage. 

Reading a letter written by critically acclaimed playwright James Graham, Daniel told the audience that "the most important invention in the history of civilisation [...] was stopping, standing still".

The actor dedicated the letter to "those here who stopped, who stayed, who planted seeds, and grew things…".

Daniel, who looked seriously suave in a navy suit worthy of his 007 legacy, joined an impressive guest list of creative talent at Royal Festival Hall, including Adeel Akhtar, Rose Ayling-Ellis, Jack Thorne, Monica Dolan and Steven Moffat, some of whom read letters addressed to their younger selves. 

Adolescence writer Jack Thorne joked that his first piece of advice would be to "enjoy your hair," because "in thirty one years time even the idea of a quiff will be an ancient bitter memory." He concluded his address encouraging his younger self to "be kind to others" and "try to do better than you do".

Daniel's public appearance comes as speculation continues to build over who will replace the Knives Out star as James Bond. 

The search for the next Bond began in May with a number of famous faces rumoured to be in the running for the role after Daniel stood down following his last Bond film, No Time To Die.

Jack Barton, Callum Turner, Jacob Elordi and Harris Dickinson are among the many names suggested, as well as Paul Mescal, Theo James and James Norton. 

Six actors have played the role of James Bond, including Sean Connery and Pierce Brosnan. Daniel was the last actor to play the popular spy, having made his debut in 2006's Casino Royale before going on to star in a further four films. His final film was 2021's No Times To Die. 

The next film will be penned by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight.

In February 2025, it was announced that Amazon MGM Studios would take creative control over the 007 character. The US film and television production and distribution studio now co-owns the franchise with long-serving producers Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, who have handed over the reins after decades of control. 

Amazon acquired MGM, including the rights to distribute James Bond films, in 2022. The following year, they released the spin-off Bond Prime Video game show 007: Road To A Million, fronted by Succession actor Brian Cox.