007 Series Ep. 21: Casino Royale (2006)/ The Vesper Martini

We're entering the Daniel Craig era of James Bond. Matt Lackey joins me once again to discuss  Casino Royale (2006) — the explosive reboot that redefined James Bond for a new era, introducing us to Daniel Craig’s grittier, more grounded 007.

To pair with this intense and stylish Bond outing, I’m mixing up the iconic Vesper Martini using the original recipe from Ian Fleming’s Casino Royale novel: “Three measures of Gordon’s, one of vodka, half a measure of Kina Lillet…”

We break down:

• The film’s bold tone shift from previous Bond entries
• How Craig’s Bond compares to those before him
• My personal experience watching every James Bond film leading up to this one
• Thoughts on starting the Casino Royale novel and how it deepens my appreciation for the character and this adaptation

Whether you're a longtime Bond fan or just getting into the franchise, this episode is packed with sharp insights, shaken cocktails, and Bond nostalgia.

🎧 Available now on all podcast platforms!
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