Daniel Craig opened up about a unique filming experience while promoting his latest movie, Queer, directed by Luca Guadagnino. During an interview on The Graham Norton Show, Craig revealed the surprising lengths the production team went to for a dance scene that required him and co-star Drew Starkey to roll on the ground—while naked.
According to Craig, the original plan was to perform the scene on gravel, but concerns about potential injuries led the crew to switch to an unconventional alternative: coffee grounds. “We were outside on the backlot, and it was just gravel. We had to roll around for two nights,” Craig explained. “I was like, ‘We’re gonna get cut to pieces. We’re naked in the scene.’”
Fortunately, the crew stepped in to address the issue. “Someone very kindly said, ‘That’s not gonna work. We’re gonna be bleeding,’” Craig recalled. The following night, the gravel was replaced with around 50 pounds of coffee grounds layered over soft crash pads.
Caffeine Absorption Surprise
While the coffee grounds solved the physical challenges, they introduced an unexpected side effect: caffeine absorption through the skin. Craig described how filming the night shoot left him and Starkey wired by morning. “By 6 o’clock in the morning, I was like, ‘Yeah, goodnight!’” he said, mimicking a frantic, over-caffeinated tone.
Starkey shared a similar experience during an interview with Entertainment Weekly. He revealed, “By the end of the night, Daniel and I were wired. I guess the coffee can absorb into your skin. I was up for hours after.”
Jesse Eisenberg’s Reaction
Actor Jesse Eisenberg, also a guest on The Graham Norton Show, was taken aback by Craig’s story. “Is that true?” he asked incredulously. After Craig confirmed, Eisenberg joked about trying it himself. “I have such a sensitivity to caffeine. Maybe I should just take a little walk in it. I think I might stroll,” Eisenberg quipped, imagining a morning coffee routine involving walking barefoot in coffee grounds.
Craig playfully endorsed the idea, describing the texture as “very soft” and “very nice.” Eisenberg added humor by suggesting he’d add cream and sugar to the mix for a fancier experience.
Emotional Depth of ‘Queer’
Beyond the humorous anecdotes, Craig also discussed the deeper themes of Queer, based on the novel by William S. Burroughs. The actor emphasized that the emotional journey of the characters, rather than the physical aspects of the intimate scenes, was the most compelling part of the film. “I feel like the physical act is the least interesting thing. We’re all grown-ups. This is what people do,” he said. “But the only thing that’s interesting… is the emotional journey of each character.”
Craig expressed his admiration for the role, explaining why he was drawn to the project. “I saw this very complicated, emotional character in the book that I thought would be just a joy to take on,” he said.
Queer’s Cult Potential
Luca Guadagnino’s Queer has already generated significant buzz, particularly after being banned in Turkey. The director noted that such controversies often enhance a film’s cult status. The movie premiered on November 13, 2024, at the DGA Theater in Los Angeles, with Craig and Starkey attending.
For more updates on Queer, stay tuned to Vviptimes.
