Daniel Craig’s ‘distaste’ for inheritance is galling for those who do have to worry about their kids’ futures

The Bond star’s views are deeply unpalatable for those who are not part of the rich elite, writes Katie Edwards

Craig is one of the highest paid actors in Hollywood (AP)

Reading Daniel Craig’s comments about inheritance makes me wonder if he’s had one too many vesper martinis. The actor’s doing the rounds on the No Time to Die publicity junket and, while he makes a brilliant Bond, his comments on inheritance are less dazzling.

Hot off the back of topping this year’s list of highest-paid Hollywood actors, earning a reported $100m (£73m) for the Knives Out sequels, Craig – who has a child from a previous relationship, a stepson and shares a daughter with his wife Rachel Weisz – explained to Candis magazine that he wouldn’t be leaving his vast fortune to his kids. “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 is notorious for his fierce protection of his family’s privacy, which seems odd against this public financial disclosure. At first glance, his comments might sound sensible, admirable even, given that the children of some megastars seem to lead troubled lives. Perhaps that’s why so many super-wealthy celebrities have seen fit to inform their public of their intentions when it comes to inheritance – to convey their parental proficiency and to remind fans that their favourite celebrities are just ordinary people with extraordinary bank balances. They’ve been through the rough and tumble of life, attended the school of hard knocks and graduated with a gilded career and an engorged current account.