Skip to main content
Join The Community
- Join our community
11
Premium Benefits
24/7
Access Available
21K+
Active Members
Commenting
Join the discussion
Exclusive Articles Coming Soon
Member-only articles
Weekly Newsletters
Weekly gaming & entertainment news
Member Badges
Earn badges as you go
Exclusive Competitions
Members-only prize draws
Curated Deals Coming Soon
Tech and gaming deals worth grabbing
GET COMMUNITY ACCESS QUICK
For the quickest way to join, simply enter your email below and get access. We will send a confirmation and sign you up to our newsletter to keep you updated on all your gaming news.
By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
FIND OUT ABOUT OUR MAGAZINE
Want to subscribe to the magazine? Click the button below to find out more information.
Find out more
GET Community ACCESS QUICK

Join the GamesRadar community for quick access. Enter your email below and we'll send confirmation, and sign you up to our newsletter.

By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

Background
Welcome to GamesRADAR+ Community !
Hi ,

Your membership journey starts here.

Keep exploring and earning more as a member.

MY ACCOUNT

Badge picture
Earn your first badge
Read 1 article to unlock your first badge.
Keep earning badges
Explore ways to get more involved as a member.
Latest Games News

Latest Games News

Breaking gaming news and updates

Read Now
Latest Games Reviews

Latest Games Reviews

Expert verdicts on the newest releases

Read Now

See what you’ve unlocked.

Explore your membership benefits.

Explore
Member Exclusives

Stay Ahead with GamesRadar+

Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.

Explore

Sign Out
GamesRadar+ GamesRadar+
US EditionUS CA EditionCanada UK EditionUK AU EditionAustralia
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Games
    • Game Insights
      • Games News
      • Games Features
      • Games Reviews
      • Games Guides
      • Big in 2026
      • Big Preview
      • Future Games Show
      • Golden Joystick Awards
    • Genres
      • Action Games
      • RPGs
      • Action RPGs
      • Adventure Games
      • Third Person Shooters
      • FPS Games
    • Platforms
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X
      • PC
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Nintendo Switch 2
      • Tabletop Gaming
    • Franchises
      • Grand Theft Auto
      • Pokemon
      • Assassin's Creed
      • Monster Hunter
      • Fortnite
      • Cyberpunk
      • Red Dead
      • The Elder Scrolls
      • The Sims
  • Entertainment
    • TV Shows
      • TV News
      • TV Reviews
      • Anime Shows
      • Sci-Fi Shows
      • Superhero Shows
      • Animated Shows
      • Marvel TV Shows
      • Star Wars TV Shows
      • DC TV Shows
    • Movies
      • Movie News
      • Movie Reviews
      • Big Screen Spotlight
      • Superhero Movies
      • Action Movies
      • Anime Movies
      • Sci-Fi Movies
      • Horror Movies
      • Marvel Movies
      • DC Movies
    • Streaming
      • Apple TV Plus
      • Disney Plus
      • Netflix
      • HBO
      • Amazon Prime Video
      • Hulu
    • Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • DC Comics
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • Lego
    • Dungeons and Dragons
    • Merch
  • Hardware
    • Insights
      • Hardware News
      • Hardware Reviews
      • Hardware Features
    • Computing
      • Desktop PCs
      • Laptops
      • Handhelds
    • Peripherals
      • Headsets & Headphones
      • TVs & Monitors
      • Gaming Mice
      • Gaming Keyboards
      • Gaming Chairs
      • Speakers & Audio
    • Accessories & Tech
      • Gaming Controllers
      • Tech
      • SSDs & Hard Drives
      • VR
      • Accessories
      • Retro
  • Deals
    • Game Deals
    • Tech Deals
    • TV Deals
    • Buying Guides
  • Video
    • Video
    • GR+ Replay - Submit Your Clips
  • Newsletters
    • Quizzes
    • About Us
    • How to pitch to us
    • How we score
    • Newsarama
    • Retro Gamer
  • home
  • Games
    • View Games
      • Games News
      • Games Features
      • Games Reviews
      • Games Guides
      • Big in 2026
      • Big Preview
      • Future Games Show
      • Golden Joystick Awards
      • Action Games
      • RPGs
      • Action RPGs
      • Adventure Games
      • Third Person Shooters
      • FPS Games
    • Platforms
      • View Platforms
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X
      • PC
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Nintendo Switch 2
      • Tabletop Gaming
      • Grand Theft Auto
      • Pokemon
      • Assassin's Creed
      • Monster Hunter
      • Fortnite
      • Cyberpunk
      • Red Dead
      • The Elder Scrolls
      • The Sims
  • Entertainment
    • View Entertainment
    • TV Shows
      • View TV Shows
      • TV News
      • TV Reviews
      • Anime Shows
      • Sci-Fi Shows
      • Superhero Shows
      • Animated Shows
      • Marvel TV Shows
      • Star Wars TV Shows
      • DC TV Shows
    • Movies
      • View Movies
      • Movie News
      • Movie Reviews
      • Big Screen Spotlight
      • Superhero Movies
      • Action Movies
      • Anime Movies
      • Sci-Fi Movies
      • Horror Movies
      • Marvel Movies
      • DC Movies
    • Streaming
      • View Streaming
      • Apple TV Plus
      • Disney Plus
      • Netflix
      • HBO
      • Amazon Prime Video
      • Hulu
    • Comics
      • View Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • DC Comics
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • Lego
    • Dungeons and Dragons
    • Merch
  • Hardware
    • View Hardware
      • Hardware News
      • Hardware Reviews
      • Hardware Features
      • Desktop PCs
      • Laptops
      • Handhelds
    • Peripherals
      • View Peripherals
      • Headsets & Headphones
      • TVs & Monitors
      • Gaming Mice
      • Gaming Keyboards
      • Gaming Chairs
      • Speakers & Audio
      • Gaming Controllers
      • Tech
      • SSDs & Hard Drives
      • VR
      • Accessories
      • Retro
  • Deals
    • View Deals
    • Game Deals
    • Tech Deals
    • TV Deals
    • Buying Guides
  • Video
    • View Video
    • Video
    • GR+ Replay - Submit Your Clips
  • Newsletters
    • Quizzes
    • About Us
    • How to pitch to us
    • How we score
    • Newsarama
    • Retro Gamer
Trending
  • Best Netflix Movies
  • Movie Release Dates
  • Best movies on Disney Plus
  • Best Netflix Shows
Don't miss these
Monoco readies for battle in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
RPGs Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 actor was "nervous" for Metacritic score after appearing in Gollum game
A crop of the 007 First Light hero art, showing a young James Bond aiming a handgun in front of a golden 007 logo background
James Bond Movies 007: First Light actor says Amazon "would be mad not to consider" the game's James Bond star for the upcoming reboot
James Bond in 007 First Light chats with a bartender
Action Games 007 First Light hands-on: "With explosive action and creative spycraft, this might be the best Bond game yet"
Kliff seen in the Crimson Desert official launch trailer.
Open World Games Baldur's Gate 3 actor Neil Newbon is also in Crimson Desert, which he calls "really impressive"
A screenshot of James Bond in 007 First Light's reveal trailer.
Games 007 First Light: Everything we know so far about IO Interactive's new Bond game
Viggo Mortensen in The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
Lord of the Rings Movies Original Aragorn actor Viggo Mortensen approves of his Lord of the Rings recast in Hunt for Gollum
An antagonist with a regal mask in 007 First Light has an RPG slung over their shoulder
Action Games 007 First Light isn't about mowing down foes because "it's important that every encounter feels crunchy and dangerous"
Amy Madigan as Aunt Gladys in Weapons
Horror Movies Resident Evil might not have its own Aunt Gladys, but Zach Cregger teases new "unique adversaries"
Next James Bond
Action Movies Next James Bond: The 27 actors who could replace Daniel Craig as the new 007
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 trailer screenshot of Gustav
RPGs Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Gustave actor says Sandfall "should get Robert Pattinson to play the part" for the movie
007 First Light
Action Games 007: First Light's opening cinematic is here, and it just surpassed Skyfall as my favorite James Bond opening sequence
James Bond in 007 First Light eavesdrops on guards while on his phone
Action Games 007 First Light's Bond is more "relatable" than Agent 47, says developer, "rather than an object of absurd fascination"
Bond frowns and readiest up in front of another person in 007 First Light
Action Games Hitman dev IO Interactive is open to 007 First Light sequel if fans like the James Bond game enough
Best James Bond movies
Action RPGs Best James Bond movies, ranked! From Dr. No to No Time to Die
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 screenshot of Verso, a man with black hair with white streaks running through his fringe
RPGs Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 writer says one actor's "charisma" did "some heavy lifting" for Verso
Sign up for the Total Film Newsletter

Bringing all the latest movie news, features, and reviews to your inbox


By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

You are now subscribed

Your newsletter sign-up was successful


Join the club

Get full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards.


An account already exists for this email address, please log in.
  1. Entertainment
  2. Movies
  3. Action Movies
  4. James Bond Movies
  5. Skyfall

Javier Bardem Interview

Features
By Jane Crowther published 14 October 2012

Skyfall's lead villain talks about joining Bond

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

  • Facebook
  • X
  • Pinterest
  • Flipboard
  • Email
Share this article
Join the conversation
Follow us
Add us as a preferred source on Google
Subscribe to our newsletter

What convinced you to get on board a Bond film?

I think it’s always about the material in the script. When I read it, I felt ‘Wow, this is powerful!’

Of course, you have everything that you can expect in James Bond movies, but it has more than that. It’s very accomplished and powerful.

Article continues below
You may like
  • Henry Cavill 20 years after losing the role, Henry Cavill is keen to be in James Bond, but not as 007
  • An antagonist with a regal mask in 007 First Light has an RPG slung over their shoulder 007 First Light isn't about mowing down foes because "it's important that every encounter feels crunchy and dangerous"
  • James Bond in 007 First Light eavesdrops on guards while on his phone 007 First Light's Bond is more "relatable" than Agent 47, says developer, "rather than an object of absurd fascination"

And then I talked to Sam and he gave me his ideas. I thought they were very good – brave, in some way.

And then there was Ralph Fiennes, Judi Dench and Daniel, and then it’s like, ‘What the hell am I doing? Of course!’

Come on then, tell us a little bit about your character Silva. What’s his beef with Bond?

Jesus. So hard! It’s very difficult to talk about a movie that you cannot talk about, and also talk about a movie that you are doing!

Sign up for the Total Film Newsletter

Bringing all the latest movie news, features, and reviews to your inbox

By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

Is he more of a cool, ruthless bastard or a screaming maniac?

Screaming maniac? What about a bit of everything?

Listen, many Bond villains have been beautifully made, and I’m the one to discover the fire.

You may like
  • Henry Cavill 20 years after losing the role, Henry Cavill is keen to be in James Bond, but not as 007
  • An antagonist with a regal mask in 007 First Light has an RPG slung over their shoulder 007 First Light isn't about mowing down foes because "it's important that every encounter feels crunchy and dangerous"
  • James Bond in 007 First Light eavesdrops on guards while on his phone 007 First Light's Bond is more "relatable" than Agent 47, says developer, "rather than an object of absurd fascination"

Now it’s about pointing at that from different perspectives, bringing a different idea of that.

What kind of physical training did you have to do to prepare?

Very easy. White meat and fish on the grill. Vegetables. And gym. And sweat.

You’ve got blond hair in the film – how much input did you have into how Silva looked?

I cannot tell you what that blond hair is. Because... [shrugs mysteriously] Yes, I have some input in the way he looks and the way he talks. But it was Sam’s ideas that I wanted to follow and go with.

Is it difficult to balance more artistic and commercial work?

Really commercial work – I’ve only done two movies, Eat Pray Love and this one. I’m kind of new in this territory.

But I don’t see the difference, as long as you more or less carefully choose.

And you may be wrong. I’ve been wrong many times. I’ve done very bad movies. But the good news is that I choose them for the right reasons and I felt good doing it, I was proud doing it, and then the movie was a disaster or my performance was a disaster. But I believed in it.

Jane Crowther
Social Links Navigation
Freelance Writer

Jane Crowther is a freelance writer and the Editor-in-Chief at Hollywood Authentic magazine, having formerly been the longtime Editor of Total Film magazine. Jane is also the Chair of The Critics' Circle and a BAFTA member. You'll find Jane on GamesRadar+ exploring the biggest movies in the world and living up to her reputation as one of the most authoritative voices on film in the industry.

Read more
Henry Cavill
James Bond Movies 20 years after losing the role, Henry Cavill is keen to be in James Bond, but not as 007
 
 
An antagonist with a regal mask in 007 First Light has an RPG slung over their shoulder
Action Games 007 First Light isn't about mowing down foes because "it's important that every encounter feels crunchy and dangerous"
 
 
James Bond in 007 First Light eavesdrops on guards while on his phone
Action Games 007 First Light's Bond is more "relatable" than Agent 47, says developer, "rather than an object of absurd fascination"
 
 
A crop of the 007 First Light hero art, showing a young James Bond aiming a handgun in front of a golden 007 logo background
James Bond Movies 007: First Light actor says Amazon "would be mad not to consider" the game's James Bond star for the upcoming reboot
 
 
Next James Bond
Action Movies Next James Bond: The 27 actors who could replace Daniel Craig as the new 007
 
 
Daniel Craig in new James Bond movie No Time to Die
Action Movies Amazon's new James Bond movie is "moving along quite nicely," says screenwriter
 
 
Latest in James Bond Movies
A crop of the 007 First Light hero art, showing a young James Bond aiming a handgun in front of a golden 007 logo background
James Bond Movies 007: First Light actor says Amazon "would be mad not to consider" the game's James Bond star for the upcoming reboot
 
 
No Time to Die
James Bond Movies The search for the new James Bond is taking so long because of Amazon's "care and deep respect" for the process
 
 
Henry Cavill
James Bond Movies 20 years after losing the role, Henry Cavill is keen to be in James Bond, but not as 007
 
 
Austin Butler in The Bikeriders
Action Movies Elvis and Dune star Austin Butler says it would be "sacrilegious" to play James bond, but wouldn't mind being a villain: "No calls as far as that goes, but I love that man"
 
 
Glen Powell in Hit Man
James Bond Movies As a new 007 movie gets closer, one actor has taken himself out of the running in the funniest way: "A Texan should not play James Bond"
 
 
Uncharted
Action Movies Spider-Man star Tom Holland downplays speculation that he could be the next James Bond while being grilled by Gordon Ramsay
 
 
Latest in Features
A screenshot of new Arc Raiders map Riven Tides, set along the coast
Third Person Shooters I’ve been burned by the new Arc Raiders map, but that’s what happens on a beach holiday
 
 
Gideon Adlon's Devon Izara and Sam Witwer's Maul clashing lightsaber blades in Maul – Shadow Lord
Star Wars TV Shows After 27 years, Maul – Shadow Lord finally gives us one of the most anticipated Star Wars showdowns, but with a twist
 
 
Sam Witwer as Maul in Maul – Shadow Lord
Star Wars TV Shows Maul – Shadow Lord ending explained: who dies, that major cameo, what happens to Devon, and more
 
 
A fully-built Lego UCS Millennium Falcon, sat on a table and bathed in purple light
Toys & Collectibles I've been reviewing Lego Star Wars for years, and these sets need to be in every collection
 
 
Saros gameplay showing a flying beast hover over multiple statues of hands
Third Person Shooters I asked Saros devs about their hand obsession and got a fascinating insight into game development
 
 
Star Wars Legion, Star Wars Villainous, and Star Wars Unlimited: Intro Battle Hoth laid out on a wooden surface
Tabletop Gaming Settle in with the best Star Wars board games this May 4
 
 
LATEST ARTICLES
  1. Antony Starr as Homelander in The Boys season 5
    1
    The Boys final episode is releasing in theaters, but not IMAX
  2. 2
    New Xbox CEO replaces 24-year Microsoft employees with former CoreAI, Meta, Instacart execs
  3. 3
    Mortal Kombat 2 star says the first movie was "kind of like a prequel", as the sequel finally features the tournament
  4. 4
    A new Elden Ring world record was set just 2 weeks ago, and I keep rewatching the same part
  5. 5
    GTA 6 should be $80 so the whole "struggling" industry can raise game prices, Bank of America says

GamesRadar+ is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

Add as a preferred source on Google Add as a preferred source on Google
  • Terms and conditions
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Accessibility statement
  • Careers
  • About us
  • Advertise with us
  • Review guidelines
  • Write for us

© Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...