The official word on casting Bond

By Joshua Tyler Oct 14, 2005, 14:18 GMT

New James Bond actor Daniel Craig arrives for this morning\'s photo call near Tower Bridge in central London to be officially announced as the next James Bond, Friday 14 October 2005. Daniel Craig will play James Bond in a re-make of \'Casino Royal\' which was the first James Bond film ever made,but was never sanctioned as an official Bond film. EPA/Geoff Caddick

At last, the long, arduous James Bond casting process is over. It’s official, Columbia Pictures, MGM studios, Sony, and Bond producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson announced this morning that British actor Daniel Craig will play James Bond in the upcoming 21st Bond film, ‘Casino Royale’.

Craig first gained notoriety earlier this year with a starring role in the British gangster film ‘Layer Cake’. Though the movie flew somewhat under the radar, Craig’s performance was lauded, and his name flew right into the James Bond casting rumor mix. Daniel also had a strong performance as Conner Rooney in the critically acclaimed Tom Hanks film ‘Road to Perdition’ and he appeared late last year in the thriller ‘The Jacket’.

In addition to ‘Casino Royale’, Craig is already filming ‘Munich’, with Steven Spielberg, and will work on two other films in addition to ‘Bond 21’ in 2006.

Though ‘Casino Royale’ helmer Martin Campbell and screenwriter Paul Haggis have been saying for weeks that they’ll be casting a younger 007, somewhere around the age of 27-28, Craig is a mature 37 years old. That makes him five years older than Sean Connery was when he first took on the part.

Despite the age confusion, director Martin Campbell is elated to have Craig on board. “The thing about James Bond is that each actor who has filled the role has brought his own style and imprint. With Daniel as our new Bond, I am thrilled to be returning to shepherd the new 007 in the new Bond adventure,” he says. Craig’s look is certainly different than any of the previous actors to take on the role. Assuming they don’t dye is hair, he’ll be the franchise’s first blonde 007.