Daniel Craig wins James Bond lottery

Posted Friday, October 14, 2005 at 11:22 AM Central

by John Couture

British actor Daniel Craig has been selected to replace Pierce Brosnan in the role of James Bond, beginning with next year's Casino Royale. While Craig is the second Englishman to play Bond, he will be the first blond James bond, unless producers opt to color Craig's golden locks.

Daniel Craig is better known outside of the British Isles for his alleged exploits with actress Sienna Miller and model Kate Moss, than his acting credits. For the record, Craig made a stir in this year's Layer Cake and has experience with dealing with strong women trying to kill him in Tomb Raider.

Craig won the role from a pool of 200 actors that had been considered for the role including, Clive Owen, Hugh Jackman, Ewan McGregor and Colin Farrell. But, producer Michael G. Wilson indicated that Daniel Craig was the only actor that was offered the part.

Craig arrived at the press conference announcing his casting in London in true James Bond style, zig-zagging across the River Thames aboard a Rigid Raider military boat.

Casino Royale begins filming in January with a target release date of November 17, 2006.