Daniel Craig talks Skyfall: On-set report

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007 star Daniel Craig says he is confident fans will be pleasantly surprised by Bond’s 23rd outing, Skyfall .

Though details are closely guarded secrets, the Bond team revealed some tidbits to international press today on Day 95 of shooting on Skyfall at Pinewood Studios.

“I haven’t changed his character, he’s not in drag, he’s not doing anything that’s going to surprise people completely,” Craig laughed in-between shooting an incendiary chase scene on a tube station set. “But he has these great characters and a great story. I’m very proud of what we have at the moment.”

In Skyfall Bond’s loyalty to M (Judi Dench) is tested to the limit when lines become blurred and MI6 comes under attack by villain Silva (Javier Bardem). Directed by Sam Mendes, the filmmakers have hinted that this latest instalment will be more character-driven and gritty than Quantum Of Solace .

“I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised,” Craig said of Mendes’ stewardship. “Sam is a boy and he likes blowing shit up – but we’re stylishly blowing shit up!”

[ Click on the image to see it in hi-res ]

Explosions aside, Mendes has also brought on board legendary cinematography Roger Deakins, Ralph Fiennes as the mysterious Mallory plus Albert Finney, Ben Whishaw and Bond girls, Naomie Harris and Bérénice Marlohe.

“The talent we’re pooled in this movie is phenomenal and I’m very confident in what we have,” Craig enthused.

The film’s release coincides with the 50th anniversary of Bond’s first cinematic foray with Dr No and Skyfall will nod to its past. “It’s throwing in some new characters and some old characters…” teased Craig. “And I’m just giving you flannel now...”

And now the veteran of two 007 movies feels even more at home with his license to kill status. “It’s a really fun thing to do for a living, the more I do it the more fun I get out of it. And if it makes me more fun at home – that’s a good thing!”

Skyfall is released 26 October 2012. For more on Skyfall keep an eye on the magazine: subscribe to Total Film .

Editor-in-Chief, Total Film

Jane Crowther is a contributing editor to Total Film magazine, having formerly been the longtime Editor, as well as serving as the Editor-in-Chief of the Film Group here at Future Plc, which covers Total Film, SFX, and numerous TV and women's interest brands. Jane is also the vice-chair of The Critics' Circle and a BAFTA member. You'll find Jane on GamesRadar+ exploring the biggest movies in the world and living up to her reputation as one of the most authoritative voices on film in the industry.