In a nod to the grandiosity and allure of one of cinema’s most beloved franchises, Upper Deck is set to release a mesmerizing trading card set in 2025 that celebrates Daniel Craig’s illustrious tenure as James Bond. From daring rescues to enigmatic escapes, this collection pays homage to the last film in Craig’s epic series, “No Time to Die.” The movie, a culmination of drama and intrigue, premiered in the UK on September 28, 2021, and it has only grown in both mystique and admiration since those first screenings.
The upcoming collection feels like a blockbuster in its own right, with every card capturing the essence of the iconic turncoat and hero of Her Majesty’s Secret Service. The set comprises 100 base cards, each a treasure rounding off moments when Bond was at his best—or should we say, at his most Bond-like. Each card serves as a narrative thread, bringing back to life sequences no less theatrical than the movies themselves.
Among the bounty of trading novelties, the cards delve into deep parallel ladders—a term as enigmatic as Q’s inventions, but oh-so-fitting in this collectors’ realm. The parallels range from Heracles, a deadly name representing perhaps the most sinister plot Bond has unraveled, to the exotically named Ice Die Cut, and the more regal Teal 007, numbered to a hefty 1,007. The preposterously rare Gold 007 and the almost mythical Black 007, numbered to 77 and 7 respectively, top off this exclusive memorabilia hunt. These nuances make each piece an attractive jewel for card aficionados and cinematic evangelists alike.
The true feats of skill are in the signatures that headline this collection. Bond was never alone, and signers aboard this memorabilia mission celebrate that. Ralph Fiennes, who stepped elegantly into the role as M; Lashana Lynch, blazing her own path as the new 007 Nomi; and Ben Whishaw, whose portrayal of Q has been nothing short of innovative, are among the illustrious names whose autographs will grace this collection. Each signature represents a character loved and loathed, but always respected for their part in propagating the Bond legacy.
Also etched into the hoard of treasures are real pieces from the wardrobe. These cards, elevated by the authenticity of the clothing they feature, draw from the very fabric worn by Bond and his associates. Imagine holding a card woven with the wardrobe from scenes that were indelibly visual milestones: Sharp shirts, sleek waistcoats, and even footwear that spurred Bond’s hurried steps through the most perilous situations, are captured forever in trading card form, providing real texture and an emotional tie to each moment.
A special focus is felicitously placed on the new era agents Nomi, portrayed by the inimitable Lashana Lynch, and Paloma, brought to life by the vivacious Ana de Armas. Their dedicated inserts and memorabilia spotlight the renewed vigor these characters have brought to the series, marking their arrival as a turning point in Bond’s cinematic voyage.
Breaking into boxes of these cards is an experience in suspense worthy of Ian Fleming. Each pack, a mini adventure itself, contains six cards—four being foundational, each accented by a vibrant Heracles parallel. The exclusive Ice Die Cut parallels, with a possible appearance once in every five packs, inject a layer of chance reminiscent of Vegas nights and espionage gambits. A whole box of 15 packs within a case of 12 promises that the pursuit of collecting becomes as spectacular as a Bond villain’s lair—with odds, parallels, and checklists adding a suspenseful thrill.
The base checklist maps out numerous scenes reminiscent of cinematic escapades—from “What Do You Think Your Papa Does?” through to “I’m Going to Tell You a Story” encapsulating figures of Bond’s odyssey. It spans scenes of action and moments of reflection, touching on perilous “Betrayal at Sea,” “Fight Your Way Out” antics, and soul-searching “I Shall Use My Time,” narrating a farewell worthy of a spy who loved us.
The 2025 Upper Deck trading cards do not merely collect memories—they embellish them, adding layers of collectible couture to every twist and turn of 007’s swan song. Ride the adrenaline wave they unleash, from explosive plot lines to nostalgic nods at characters who’ve postmarked their finesse on our screens. This is more than nostalgia; it’s an artifact created for an enthusiastic public, enthusiastic enough to see Daniel Craig’s legacy preserved, perhaps for a lifetime—and isn’t that timeless thrill the true essence of Bond?
