Are there two Casino Royale Movies?
Yes, there are indeed two movies titled "Casino Royale," but they are quite different in style, tone, and their place in the James Bond canon.
The first "Casino Royale" was released in 1967 and is a spy comedy film that satirizes the James Bond film series. This version was directed by Val Guest, Ken Hughes, John Huston, Joseph McGrath, and Robert Parrish, reflecting its chaotic production process. The movie features David Niven as Sir James Bond, who comes out of retirement to take on the threat of his nemesis, SMERSH. It is not considered a part of the official Eon Productions series of Bond films and is known for its star-studded cast, which includes Peter Sellers, Ursula Andress, and Orson Welles.
The second "Casino Royale," released in 2006, is the 21st film in the official James Bond series produced by Eon Productions. This film was directed by Martin Campbell and marked Daniel Craig's first appearance as James Bond. It is a more serious and gritty reboot of the Bond series that focuses on Bond's early career and his elevation to the status of "00" agent. This "Casino Royale" is based on the first James Bond novel written by Ian Fleming and follows Bond as he takes on the financier of terrorists, Le Chiffre, in a high-stakes poker game. This movie is part of the official Bond film series and received critical acclaim for its fresh take on the character and its back-to-basics approach to the Bond mythology.
In summary, the two "Casino Royale" movies are very different interpretations of the same source material, each reflecting the cinematic tastes and attitudes of their respective times.