Under the title "Algerian Among the Stars of the Latest James Bond Film… Who Is He?", the Al Arabiya website reported that the eyes of cinema and action movie fans in London are focused today on the premiere of the long-awaited latest James Bond film "No Time to Die," which was delayed for months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The film notably features Algerian star Dali Ben Salah in one of the leading roles. The original release date for the film, produced and distributed by MGM and Universal Pictures, was April 2020, but it was postponed multiple times after the COVID-19 pandemic forced cinemas worldwide to close or limit audience numbers.
"I dream of being James Bond"
It is said that those who pursue their ambitions will inevitably achieve them, which Dali embodied when he posted a video on Twitter for actors in 2019, stating, "My name is Dali Ben Salah, French and Algerian. When I was a child, I dreamed of being James Bond. When I turned twenty, it seemed like a joke... and now here I am." The 29-year-old has reached one of his ambitions by securing a leading role in the latest entry of the James Bond series, which is one of the most profitable film franchises in the world. The film "Spectre" grossed $880 million and was released in 2015, while "Skyfall" exceeded $1 billion, having been released in 2012.
Despite his recent start in the film industry, what Al Arabiya has learned about his biography indicates that he has the makings of a Hollywood star, with charm, determination, and perseverance. Dali Ben Salah, the young Frenchman of Algerian descent, has quickly risen to stardom, even without winning awards yet. At just 27 years old, he managed to secure a main role in one of the globally renowned James Bond films.
Many industry professionals agree that his good looks, love of sports, talent, specialized acting lessons, ambition, and life’s opportunities have combined to help him realize his dreams. He is still considered an emerging star, with many specialized observers predicting further progress and success for him.
Born on January 8, 1992, in the city of Rennes, located 350 km from Paris, Dali holds dual nationality and embodies both French and Algerian cultures. He graduated from high school and enrolled at Rennes University to pursue a degree in economics management, but did not complete his studies in that field.
Simultaneously, he took many lessons and training sessions in Thai boxing, known as "Muay Thai," nicknamed the "Art of Eight Limbs," as it allows the use of hands, elbows, legs, and knees. He participated in various championships and even won one of the French championships in the sport at the age of nineteen. He once stated that turning to sports can be the best way to release the pent-up violence within us.
Those who meet him get the impression that he embodies elements of calm and strength. Dali left Rennes University in 2012 and joined the prestigious drama and theatrical school Le Cours Florent in Paris, graduating in 2015, as he had a strong desire to work in the film industry. Alongside this, he attended a workshop led by actor and theater manager Stanislas Nordey at the national theater La Colline from 2014 to 2015, which is supported by the French Ministry of Culture. He completed this training in the national theater in Strasbourg from 2015 to 2016, as well as at the La Fabrica center in the city of Avignon, with writer, director, and actor Olivier Py.
### Music
He joined the French electronic music band The Blaze, managed by Jonathan and Guillaume Alric, and made a notable contribution to the rhythmic song "Territory," performed in Algeria in 2017. In this, he portrayed an Algerian expatriate celebrating his return home after a long absence. The music video released achieved significant success, having been viewed by over 40 million people worldwide to date, and won several awards at various festivals.
### The Arts
He participated in a number of plays starting in 2014, notably including "L'Avare" by historical playwright Molière, playing the role of Silvester, directed by Tigran Mikitaryan, at the Notre Dame theater in 2016. He also acted in the poetry play "Pour Prezan," directed by Olivier Py, at the Avignon festival in 2018, where he received much admiration for his performance. However, cinema remained his primary objective.
### Television Series
He featured in the series "Nox," directed by the Franco-Tunisian Mabrouk El Mehri in 2017, aired on Canal Plus France; and the series "Les Sauvages" in 2019, by the French writer of Polish descent Rebecca Zlotowski and the Algerian-French writer Sabri Louatah, also aired on Canal Plus, which received considerable success. He also acted in the series "Algeria Confidential" in 2020 on Arte channel.
### Film
Dali has appeared in several short films, including "Salad, Tomato, and Onion" in 2015, directed by Jules Talbot; "I Am a Wound," directed by Leo Pujol in 2017; and "Goodbye Tom Selleck" in 2018. From 2017 onwards, he took on various roles in the following feature films: "Interrail," by Carmen Alessandrin, playing the role of Sofiane, released in July 2018; "L'Homme Fidèle" (The Faithful Man), by Louis Garrel in 2018; and "Banlieusards" (Suburban Kids), by Kery James and Leila Sy, at the end of 2019, in addition to other films that were scheduled for 2020, including "Tropique de la Violence" (Tropical Violence, by Manuel Shapira), "My Brothers and I," by Johan Manak, and "A Flower in the Mouth," by Eric Baudelaire. His film agent is Juanita Valls, head of the film talents company Film Talents, and he consults her on many of his decisions in the film industry.
### Passion
Dali Ben Salah is passionate about sports, particularly football, karate, and the Japanese martial art known as aikido, which is similar to judo. His interest in boxing—especially Thai boxing—has become more professional than amateur, given his participation in various competitions. He has been interested in cinema since childhood, frequently watching Asian action films at home with his parents.
### The Spy Who Became a Phenomenon
Today, Tuesday, the world premiere of the film "No Time to Die," the 25th installment of the James Bond adventures, begins in London. Over six decades, it has transformed into a global cultural phenomenon. At its essence, James Bond was initially a literary character, with over sixty million copies sold worldwide. The famous spy was first introduced nearly seventy years ago by British author Ian Fleming, who drew inspiration from his experiences in intelligence during World War II. The first Bond novel, "Casino Royale," was published in 1953, followed by 11 novels including "Goldfinger," "Doctor No," and "From Russia with Love," along with a series of short stories, until Fleming passed away in 1964, two years after the release of the first James Bond film, "Doctor No."
Each generation has its favorite from the 25-film series, still produced by Albert R. Broccoli, a descendant of one of the series' historical producers. According to expert Guillaume Evan, taking inflation into account, the cumulative revenue of the series amounts to $16.7 billion. Thus, the James Bond adventures are among the most profitable film franchises in cinema history, having begun about 15 years before the launch of "Star Wars." James Bond films also serve as a popular showcase for luxury brands, including automotive and watch companies.
This year, the valuable James Bond franchise was acquired by the giant e-commerce group Amazon, which announced the purchase of MGM Studios for $8.45 billion. The late Scottish actor Sean Connery, who was the first to portray James Bond on the big screen in "Doctor No" and appeared in six of the early films, remains the quintessential embodiment of this character, known for his masculine features and portrayal of a suave man skilled at charming women with a strong charisma.
Five actors have taken on this iconic role: George Lazenby, the only Australian in the group who played the character in the film "On Her Majesty's Secret Service" in 1969, followed by Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan, and Daniel Craig. The character James Bond works for the British Secret Intelligence Service (MI6). The first "0" in the "007" logo indicates he has a license to kill; the second means he has used that license, while the "7" identifies him among the agency members. "M" is Bond's organizational head. The actress Judi Dench made history by adding a feminine touch to this role from 1995 (beginning with "GoldenEye") to 2012. "Q" is Bond's associate responsible for providing him with the latest gadgets. Don’t forget the character "Miss Moneypenny," who is "M's" personal secretary and whom James Bond constantly flirts with.
The series likely wouldn't have achieved such success without its famous catchphrases that audiences often repeat. Among the most recognized are the line "Bond, James Bond" when he introduces himself or "shaken, not stirred" when ordering his favorite drink. Throughout his various adventures, James Bond faces villains to overcome them, from a diamond smuggler in "Goldfinger" to the criminal organization "Spectre" led by the villain Blofeld. He has utilized numerous gadgets to combat them: from explosive cigarettes in "You Only Live Twice" to an Aston Martin equipped with rotating license plates, explosive ski poles, laser watches, and much more.
The lingering question remains: who will be the actor to continue the mission after Daniel Craig, who claims he played James Bond for the last time?
