Daniel Craig `confirmed` as James Bond #6 by British tabloids

11-Oct-2005 • Casino Royale

Daniel Craig has been named as the sixth James Bond by British tabloid newspaper The Daily Mail. Their "exclusive" follows on from numerous newspapers and internet rumour sites claiming Craig was as good as signed a month ago, and a report from The Sun way back in April.

According to the report, the English actor, who found fame as Geordie in the BBC series Our Friends in the North in 1996, got the job after an 18-month mission to replace Pierce Brosnan.

The Mail also reports that "in the end a shortlist of two emerged - Craig and newcomer Henry Cavill. The pair were auditioned again and tried on tuxedos to see how they would look in the quintessential Bond clothing."

Craig, 37, whose choice will be confirmed by producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson later this week according to the Mail, will be the sixth Bond, but the first blond. Craig has said he does not like the fact that the films are more about gadgets than feelings. He added: "It's a big machine and it makes a lot of money - so why would you change something that makes a lot of money?"

MI6 Rumour Rating: The Daily Mail's reporter was the first to state Pierce Brosnan will not be returning, but the reason behind the scenes was that it was due to his age - a claim denied by both Brosnan and sources close to the production. The reporter has previously been sued for publishing stories known to be untrue. The paper's latest "confirmation" follows a long string of British tabloids backing Craig as 007 #6.

No official word has emerged from the production on the status of Daniel Craig's screentest performance, other than that he was amongst the final 8 to 10 candidates. Director Martin Campbell said earlier that an announcement would be within the next two weeks, and that Bond was set to be 28-30 years old, which was thought by many to rule Craig out of the running.

Expect to see more tabloid punts on a confirmation this week as the official announcement approaches.

Thanks to `lorna99` for the alert.