James Bond actor Daniel Craig pumped iron for months to build up a 007 torso, but there was one dramatic change he would not undertake – the man with the golden gun refused to part with his golden hairdo. Despite pressure from directors, Craig would not change the colour of his locks from blond to dark brown for Casino Royale, which is on course to become the most successful Bond film ever. He said: "I was asked to dye my hair brown to play this role but it was out of the question. "I suggested instead that I could cut my hair really short to create a more brutal appearance." Those who initially opposed Craig as Ian Fleming’s legendary British agent cited a number of factors, ranging from his height – at 5ft 11in he is shorter than all the previous Bond actors by at least 2in – to his unremarkable looks. But it was his hair which provoked the most criticism, with many referring to him as "James Blond’. Answering critics that he often appeared more like a "James Bond girl’ in some scenes, especially when he emerges from the sea wearing nothing but a pair of swimming trunks, Craig agreed. He said: "The times change. That scene was a wink to Ursula Andress in Dr No, who also played Vesper Lynd in the first Casino Royale in 1967. Four decades later and it’s James who leaves the water in swimming trunks and attracts the looks." The criticisms, however, have faded away as Casino Royale raked in the biggest-ever opening for a Bond film in Britain last weekend, as it grossed £13.4million and topped the UK box office.
Daily Mail
I have to admit at first I hated that he was a blond Bond, but now I like it!
