Daniel Craig cast as James Bond in Casino Royale

It was announced today by producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli and Amy Pascal, Chairman of Sony Pictures Entertainment Motion Picture Group, that DANIEL CRAIG has been cast in the role of the legendary British secret agent, James Bond, in the highly anticipated 007 adventure thriller Casino Royale.

CASINO ROYALE reunites Wilson and Broccoli with Martin Campbell, who directed the 1995 Bond blockbuster GOLDENEYE. His most recent film, "The Legend of Zorro," will be released on October 28, 2005.

CASINO ROYALE will be the 21st James Bond film produced by the franchise holders, EON Productions. The MGM/Columbia Pictures production begins shooting in January and is due for release worldwide on November 17, 2006. It will be filmed in the Czech Republic, the Bahamas, Italy and the UK.

Neal Purvis and Robert Wade wrote the screenplay based on famed author Ian Fleming's first novel. The script is currently being polished by Academy Award®-nominated writer, Paul Haggis (Million Dollar Baby).

Born in 1968, DANIEL CRAIG was raised on the Wirral nr. Liverpool. He moved to London to join the National Youth Theatre at the age 17 and continued his training at the London Guildhall School of Music and Drama. CRAIG has since become regarded as one of Britain's finest actors securing a variety of roles in television, theatre and film.

He is currently filming a thriller alongside Nicole Kidman, 'The Visiting', and has two films in post-production; Steven Spielberg's 'Munich' and Douglas McGrath's 'Every Word Is True', co-starring Sandra Bullock and Gwyneth Paltrow.

Recent film credits include Sam Mendes' 'The Road to Perdition', 'The Mother', 'Sylvia', and last year he received much critical acclaim for Matthew Vaughn's 'Layer Cake' as well as Roger Michell's 'Enduring Love'.

Wilson and Broccoli said "It has been a long time ambition for us to film the first book in the series, CASINO ROYALE, which defined the complex character of James Bond. We are thrilled DANIEL CRAIG will play the character of 007. Daniel is a superb actor who has all the qualities needed to bring a contemporary edge to the role. CASINO ROYALE will have all the action, suspense and espionage that our audiences have come to expect from us but nevertheless takes the franchise in a new and exciting direction."

"James Bond is a character without peer in motion picture history," said Pascal. "He is a household name recognized in virtually every corner of the globe and because of this renown, the casting of the new 007 takes on a special importance. We believe that in DANIEL CRAIG we have found the ideal 21st century Bond and we couldn't be more privileged to be working with Barbara and Michael, who are tireless champions and guardians of the James Bond legacy."

Director Martin Campbell said, "The thing about James Bond is that each actor who has filled the role has brought his own style and imprint. With Daniel as our new Bond, I am thrilled to be returning to shepherd the new 007 in the new Bond adventure."

Dan Taylor, President of Metro Goldwyn Mayer Inc, said: "All of us here at MGM are delighted that Daniel Craig, an actor of such high-calibre, has been chosen to be the next Bond. We are also very excited to be working closely with Barbara and Michael again and with Columbia Pictures on CASINO ROYALE, which we predict to be the biggest, best Bond ever."

The 21st 007 Screen Adventure,
An MGM/Columbia Pictures Co-Production
To Be Directed By Martin Campbell
Columbia Pictures Will Release On November 17, 2006