Craig said back then that he was proud and excited for being taken into the James Bond role and was ready to face the challenges of continuing the franchise which he described as a big machine that makes a lot of money.
His selection actually sparked controversy, especially among British critics, who doubted the producers if they really made the right choice. Throughout the entire production of “Casino Royale,” internet campaigns expressed their dissatisfaction with the choice of Craig and even threatened to boycott the film as part of the protest.
The protest was anchored on the fact that Craig was blond and not the tall and dark James Bond portrayed by previous Bond actors that the viewers and fans of the franchise have been accustomed to.
Craig got his support from no less than the four of the five actors who previously played the suave British spy including Pierce Brosnan, Timothy Dalton, Sean Connery, and Roger Moore, telling everyone that casting Craig for the role is a good decision. George Lazenby also seconded the approval of the other James Bond actors later on.
Actor Clive Owen, who has been considered for the role as well, also spoke in defense of Daniel Craig. Craig later went on to do three more James Bond movies including “Quantum of Solace,” “Skyfall,” and “Spectre.”