Daniel Craig has just been given exact same honor as James Bond

Although Daniel Craig might have ended his run as 007, he's keeping the James Bond spirit alive after being awarded the same honor as the infamous spy.

The 54-year-old actor hung up his super spy boots after the 2021 hit No Time To Die, his fifth and final portrayal of the fictional British MI6 agent.

But his legacy in the long-running franchise lives on, with producer Barbara Broccoli saying Craig had 'cracked Bond open emotionally'.

Alongside his streak as 007, the star has taken on a wide variety of roles over the years, including in the hit mystery film series Knives Out, and is a regular on the theatre circuit.

Thanks to his acting skills, Craig was awarded the Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George for his services to film and theatre.

Coincidentally, this is the same honor held by Mr Bond.

The accolade was given to the actor this morning (September 18) by Princess Anne, and he even received a movie-related quip from the Royal Family.

Taking to Twitter, they wrote: "We’ve been expecting you…"

"The Princess Royal presents Daniel Craig with The Order of St Michael and St George - the same honour held by his character James Bond - in recognition of his outstanding contribution to film and theatre."

It didn't take long for the online community to start joking about the coincidence, with one writing: "That’s in recognition of the number of times he has saved the world."

"I bet Daniel was shaken...not stirred," said another, while a third added, "When life imitates art, congrats Daniel."

Others weren't so congratulatory, however, with some pointing out the disparity between James Bond and the actor who played him.

As said by one commenter: "If an actor can get this award, then you would sort of expect James Bond to have gotten something a bit more prestigious considering that he is supposed to have saved the world several times over."

In other 007 news, as said, Craig was widely praised for portraying the stoic, martini guzzling, ladies man in a more emotional light – and it seems to be a trait producers want to carry on.

Collection Christophel/Alamy Stock Photo

Speaking to Variety last month, Broccoli explained: "It’s an evolution. Bond is evolving just as men are evolving. I don’t know who’s evolving at a faster pace."

She also suggested 007 casting rumours are much ado about nothing, saying they’re still in the ‘early stages’ of tracking down their next Bond.

Guess that's a detail for their eyes only... for now.

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