Daniel Craig almost said no to Bond

Daniel Craig almost turned down the chance to play James Bond because he didn't want to be typecast.The British actor plays the suave spy in new movie 'Casino Royale' after taking over from predecessor Pierce Brosnan, who starred in four 007 films.Craig admits he had to think twice about accepting the famous part because he was concerned on the affect it would have on the rest of his career.He said: "When I first read the script I thought how well it was written. I just sort of thought, 'What else am I going to do?' Yes. It may take away some of my ambition as an actor and directors might think twice before employing me. But it also gives me great benefit."Craig insists one factor that made him accept, apart from the prestige of playing Bond, was the lucrative amount of money offered to him.He added: "It's very poor taste to talk about money but needless to say I'm very happy with my deal."Craig, 38, has come under intense criticism from some Bond fans who are unhappy at the decision to cast him as the secret agent.

However, the 'Layer Cake' star is being hailed as the best Bond since Sir Sean Connery by some movie critics lucky enough to have already seen the film. 'Casino Royale' is released worldwide on November 21.