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Daniel Craig arrived by speedboat in London where he was named as the sixth official James Bond 007. MI6 reports from the press conference...

Daniel Craig Press Conference
14th October 2005

It was a slightly overcast day in London on Friday 14th October 2005, but the atmosphere was lifted at noon by the arrival of Daniel Craig - the sixth official James Bond 007.

Arriving by speedboat courtesy of the Royal Navy, Craig joined director Martin Campbell and producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli at the press conference held onboard HMS President on the River Thames.

Speaking shortly after arriving, Craig said, "I'd like to thank the royal marines for bringing me in like that, and scaring the shit out of me."

Above: Daniel Craig holds on for the rough ride to HMS President.

The world's media had gathered onboard and were duly introduced to Craig, who joined the press conference to the sound of the James Bond theme music. After formal introductions were completed, the questions began...

The 37-year-old actor will be the sixth James Bond, taking over from Pierce Brosnan, 52, for the next Bond movie. Production of Casino Royale is due to start in January and director Martin Campbell has said it will be "tougher, grittier and more realistic". Asked earlier this year if he would take the role, Craig replied: "Well, the emotional level is not there and that's important for me. I'd want that to change but I don't know how ready they'd be to change."

Producer Michael G. Wilson confirmed details on the search for James Bond. Wilson said that the casting net had been thrown out for over a year and a half, and they had considered over 200 different potential actors. But when was the decision made? The new 007 said, "I was in Baltimore and got the phone call on Monday. I had a few Martinis". Asked whether he was intimidated about following on from the previous five actors, Craig said, "I've got a big pair of shoes to step in from from Pierce. I've just got to step up to the plate and deal with it."

Above: Daniel Craig in front of Tower Bridge (London, UK), with director Martin Campbell, and with producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson.

Campbell confirmed that "Casino Royale" will be a "grittier" movie. Although the gadgets and technology will be reduced and characters enhance, Campbell reiterated that key elements attributed to the success of the series will still be there in good measure. The direction of the 21st film will not be a "reboot", more an exploration of untapped areas. "It's not a question of redefining, it's a matter of going somewhere they haven't before", said Daniel Craig. He backed up Campbell's comments on the screenplay. "We've got an incredible script", he added. Producer Michael G. Wilson said, "We want to do it the right way. It's going to take an approach we haven't taken before."

Campbell also commented on some of the aspects to the script. "I love all the suits and bow-ties, all of that. [In Casino Royale] you'll learn the ingredients of the Martini. Perhaps how he gets the Aston Martin."

Above: Daniel Craig in front of the iconic Tower Bridge (London, UK)

As for the production itself, Wilson said, "We're filming in Pinewood in part, Prague in part, Bahamas in part, and down in Italy in part. It's very much a location driven film." When quizzed about the budget, director Martin Campbell said, "the budget will probably be north of $100 million." Wilson added, "we have plenty of action in this film. We'll be lucky to keep it within the budget of the last film (Die Another Day)."

"Casino Royale", the 21st James Bond film, will be directed by Martin Campbell and shooting is scheduled to commence on January 17th 2006 for release on November 17th 2006, distributed by Columbia Pictures. British actor Daniel Craig will James Bond, the sixth actor cast as 007. Stay tuned to MI6 for the latest and most accurate coverage of Casino Royale.