In a fitting tribute to one of cinema’s most beloved characters, Upper Deck is set to release its eagerly anticipated 2025 trading card collection for “No Time to Die.” This collection captures the grandeur and emotional depth of Daniel Craig’s final performance as James Bond, promising fans a nostalgic roller coaster through iconic moments from the film. It doesn’t just salute Craig’s Bond, but also celebrates the impressive ensemble cast that brings the movie’s rich narrative to life.
The movie “No Time to Die,” a significant close to Craig’s Bond era, first premiered in the United Kingdom on September 28, 2021, leaving audiences worldwide with a mixture of exhilaration and melancholy that only such a cinematic saga can conjure. Now, several years later, Upper Deck seeks to recreate that experience with a card collection that can only be described as cinematic.
Central to this collection is a thoughtfully curated base set of 100 cards. Each card acts as not just a remembrance of Bond’s last adventure, but a gateway into deeper layers of cinematic wizardry, with a structured rarity system woven throughout. Among the more elusive treasures are Heracles parallels, Ice Die Cut cards, and the ultra-rare Teal, Gold, and Black 007 parallels, numbered to, respectively, 1,007, 77, and a tantalizing 7.
Upper Deck does not stop there. It elevates the allure with additional serial-numbered cards that truly complement the cinematic narrative. Enthusiasts can chase after Black and White cards with varying border details, Ensemble parallels, and a cadre of autograph cards from the distinguished cast. This lineup includes signers such as Ralph Fiennes, Lashana Lynch, Billy Magnussen, Ben Whishaw, Jeffrey Wright, Léa Seydoux, the movie’s director Cary Joji Fukunaga, and of course, the man himself, Daniel Craig. Many of these signatures are captured in horizontal card formats, with some graced by exclusive inscribed versions and Ensemble parallels for added rarity.
Furthermore, no homage to such an epic is complete without a touch of tangible magic—screen-used material cards. These cards are graced with snippets of fabrics from costumes worn by the lead characters, providing collectors a tangible piece of cinematic history. Featuring the roles of New Agents like Nomi, portrayed by Lashana Lynch, and Paloma, brought to life by Ana de Armas, these inserts and parallels focus on the powerhouse portrayals that made “No Time to Die” a stunner.
Dive deeper into the collection, and each pack of six cards reveals itself like a scene from the film. Expect four base cards make up the bulk, complemented by one Heracles parallel and opportunities to snag an Ice Die Cut parallel approximately every five packs. Boxes brimming with anticipation house 15 packs each, while whole cases contain 12 boxes, turning each acquisition into a thrilling step in completing this upper-echelon collection.
If you’re a dedicated fan or just a cinephile drawn to collectables, the base checklist alone is a narrative walkthrough of the film’s riveting plot, making it clear why “No Time to Die” became a poignant farewell. From the intrigue of cards that ask “What Do You Think Your Papa Does?” to heart-gripping moments like “Saying Goodbye” and “Final Stand,” each title brings to mind a vivid recollection of Bond’s perilous journey.
Key scenes encapsulated in these cards, such as “You’ll Never See Me Again”, “Insurance Policy”, “Island Escape”, or “Open the Blast Doors,” echo the top-tier action and emotional stakes typical of James Bond at his best. Whether you’re revisiting the tension of “An Offer on the Table”, grappling with the nostalgia of “Remembering Bond,” or contemplating the future with “Back to Work,” each card is a brushstroke in the masterful portrait that is Craig’s final bow as 007.
Given the layered, rich nature of the set, true fans of the 007 franchise may find this collection a must-have. The cards are not merely about collecting memorabilia; they offer a connective tissue between the mythical world of James Bond and our reality. As Craig’s tenure ends, these cards stand as mementos to an era—each pack an opportunity to relive the memories and revisit the enigma that Bond always represented.
But as any good spy knows, the allure often lies within the details not immediately seen. The fine print of these cards—whether it be the unexpected autograph, a rare serial number, or the memory of a gripping scene—ensures that, just like Bond himself, there’s always more beneath the surface in a genuine Upper Deck masterpiece.
