Fed: Daniel Craig earns his 007 status in a physical challenge

AAP General News (Australia)
12-05-2006
Fed: Daniel Craig earns his 007 status in a physical challenge

By Erin McWhirter

SYDNEY, Dec 5 AAP - Earning the right to play James Bond 007 left new recruit Daniel
Craig's ego dented and body battered.

It wasn't the backlash from the London press, savaging his ability to play the British
spy that hurt, but the beating his body took while filming Casino Royale.

"There were mornings when I would wake up and I couldn't move, I couldn't get out of
bed," the 38-year-old told AAP today.

"You would roll out of bed, hit the ground and everything would crack into place.

"Every single day I was getting injured, getting bruised and battered around.

"It's the most physical thing I have ever done."

Craig launched the Australian premiere of the 21st Bond instalment in Sydney last night.

Making his debut as the sixth Bond, Craig follows in the footsteps of Pierce Brosnan,
Timothy Dalton, Roger Moore, George Lazenby and Sean Connery.

Craig says negative press following his initial introduction as Bond "made me pump
a few more weights" and strive for excellence.

"The only thing I could physically do, to come back at these people, who are passionate
about their subject, is say `Go and see the film'. I am immensely proud of this film."

Work on the 22nd Bond film is under way, with Craig prepared to slip into secret agent
mode again.

He already anticipates more pressure in playing Bond a second time.

"We have to make a better movie next time, which is a tall order," Craig said.

"But that's the great thing about life ... challenges coming up like that."

Daily gym work-outs, healthy eating and rest were all part of Craig's six-month regime
while working on Casino Royale.

Several times throughout the film his toned chest is displayed and in one revealing
scene, Craig is completely naked while being tortured.

The Chester-born Brit enlisted the help of the British SAS force and had weapons training
to hone his physique and skills.

"I wanted him (Bond) to look as professional as he possibly could ... if we do the
next one I am going to get more into that because I think it's interesting."

Published in 1953, Casino Royale was Ian Fleming's first Bond novel and is now the
21st film in the most successful franchise in movie history.

Craig's first major role was in BBC television drama Our Friends In The North, before
scoring his big break in Hollywood alongside Tom Hanks in Road To Perdition in 2002.

His film credits include Sylvia, Layer Cake and Munich. He recently finished filming
the sci-fi thriller The Invasion, opposite Nicole Kidman.

Craig says gaining the Bond role is the most pivotal point in his career and he hopes
to continue his "good role" winning streak.

"I haven't got a timeline, I haven't got a (career) plan," he said.

"I didn't really plan this (Casino Royale), it just came along. I just want to work
on good films. There is nothing I am not looking at, as long as it's good, I would be
interested in doing it."

Casino Royale opens nationally on December 7.

AAP em/evt/cdh

KEYWORD: CRAIG (PIX AVAILABLE)

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