Daniel Craig Says Leaving Money to His Own Children Is 'Distasteful' – Fans Can't Believe the 'Odd' Thing He Plans to Do with His Multimillion-Dollar Fortune Instead

While the actor has spoken about enjoying life after James Bond, another of his candid opinions has also captured attention, prompting passionate reactions over wealth, family, and inheritance.

Daniel Craig has built a career that spans stage and screen, but it was his portrayal of James Bond that transformed him into one of Hollywood's most recognizable stars.

However, after spending 15 years as the iconic British spy, the actor embraced a different phase of his career, revealing that stepping away from the franchise allowed him to approach acting with a renewed sense of freedom.

In 2025, the then 57-year-old actor reflected on life after Bond, opening up about how leaving the role behind changed the way he looked at his work:

"I suppose I started freeing myself up from any convention. I'm not saying no to things that I might have been a little bit wary about before."

During his years leading the Bond franchise, Craig admitted he sometimes felt conscious about balancing the legendary spy with other characters he wanted to portray.

"When the Bond thing was going on in my life, the juxtaposition between that and another role would sometimes feel self-conscious," he explained. Since leaving Bond behind, however, the Hollywood star has found a greater appreciation for his profession.

"I'm working harder than I ever have, but I'm also just enjoying it more than I ever have," he shared. "I get to do really interesting, different stuff."

Craig first took on the role of 007 in 2006's "Casino Royale" before returning for four more films over the next 15 years. His final appearance came in 2021's "No Time to Die," bringing an end to one of the most successful Bond eras in the franchise's history.

The Fortune Behind Bond

Craig's time as James Bond elevated him into the ranks of Hollywood's highest-paid actors, with his performances helping to make the franchise a box office powerhouse.

His success also extended beyond Bond through films including "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo," "Cowboys & Aliens," "Dream House," and later the "Knives Out" series.

The actor reportedly earned around $17 million for "Skyfall," along with additional box office bonuses. He was also reportedly paid approximately $25 million to return for his fifth and final Bond film, "No Time to Die."

Despite amassing a fortune throughout his career, the 58-year-old previously revealed that he has little interest in passing enormous wealth down to the next generation.

In a 2021 interview, the Hollywood star described large inheritances as "quite distasteful," explaining that he would rather donate or spend much of his money than leave vast sums behind. Referencing philanthropist Andrew Carnegie's extensive charitable giving, Craig said:

"Isn't there an old adage that if you die a rich person, you've failed? [...] I don't want to leave great sums to the next generation. I think inheritance is quite distasteful. My philosophy is get rid of it or give it away before you go."

Craig shares one daughter with his wife, Academy Award-winning actress Rachel Weisz. He also has an older daughter from a previous relationship.

Social Media Reacts

Craig's comments have continued to divide opinion online, with many questioning whether his children should inherit more of the fortune he accumulated over decades in the entertainment industry.

One person commented, "I don't/chose not to have kids, but if I did & had that money they'd be getting it, period. That's odd." Another shared, "If he grew up 'poor' why would he want his kids to struggle the same way? Even if they are adults, not everyone can make it in Hollywood."

A third typed, "Thinks that's ridiculous. Can make it in a trust fund so not used frivolously. If kids raised right they won't want to lead meaningless lives [sic]."

Echoing that sentiment, another commenter wrote, "Nope not I. Oh well if you aren't that confident in the way you raised them thinking they will be irresponsible that's on you. My children get it all [sic]!" Others focused less on the family aspect and more on the legal and financial implications of Craig's philosophy.

One netizen remarked, "They just use this way to avoid the substantial tax of inheritance. Charity is so classic. 🤦🏻‍♂️" Meanwhile, another added, "He better have a will because if he died one day without one they're going to get it anyway."

Whether discussing the freedom he found after leaving James Bond behind or sharing his unconventional views on inheritance, Daniel Craig has continued to speak candidly about both his career and personal philosophy.

While his comments about leaving little of his fortune to his children sparked mixed reactions online, they also ignited a broader conversation about wealth, legacy, and what people believe should be passed on to future generations.