Daniel Craig binned his copy of Casino Royale after reading it

James Bond star Daniel Craig said Wednesday he was left non-plussed at Ian Fleming's original book "Casino Royale", so much so that he threw his copy away after reading it - reports CNA.

The 38-year-old actor, who has received rave reviews for his debut as the fictional British superspy 007, told Britain's Virgin Radio that he only reluctantly got involved with the blockbusting film franchise.

Craig told the commercial station he had no ambitions to follow in the footsteps of Pierce Brosnan, Timothy Dalton, Roger Moore, George Lazenby and Sean Connery, but was persuaded by producer Barbara Broccoli.

And on getting a copy of the 1953 book before the film role, the actor said he indulged in some low-level subterfuge himself by ripping off the front cover so no-one could know what he was reading on the London Underground.

"I got off the Tube at Piccadilly (central London), finished the last page and threw it in a bin and went, 'Well, that was all right', walked into the offices and sat down with them.

"They said they wanted to go ahead with this and I just wish I kept that book," said Craig, whose film credits include "Munich" and "Road to Perdition".

Of the Bond script, he said he was bowled over despite himself.

"I really wanted to hate it. I really, really wanted to hate it and then think... how could I possibly get involved with such sh*t?"

Thanks to `Brokenclaw` for the alert.

Discuss this news here...