TMDb/Layer Cake Celebrity Before Bond: Daniel Craig's sleek underworld debut in Layer Cake, a stylish 2004 British crime thriller. April 11, 2026 AceShowbiz - The 2004 British crime thriller Layer Cake marked a significant early milestone for Daniel Craig before his iconic debut as James Bond in Casino Royale. Directed by Matthew Vaughn, the film introduced Craig as a cool, unnamed criminal navigating the complex underworld of London with sharp sophistication. Layer Cake stands out as an influential crime drama from the early 2000s and remains a favorite for fans of stylish gangster thrillers.