Craig signs for Golden Compass

That Daniel Craig certainly has stamina. Barely done with Bond and he’s already scribbled on the dotted line to star in fantasy flick, The Golden Compass.

New Line Pictures’ first instalment of the Philip Pullman His Dark Materials novels can already boast Nicole Kidman among its cast, along with newcomer Dakota Blue Richards and Craig’s Casino Royale co-star, Eva Green.

The James Bond actor will play Lord Asriel, the uncle to Lyra Belacqua (Richards) and a proper nasty piece of work. Directed by Chris Weitz, production is slated to start on 4 September, in readiness for a release on 17 November 2007.

If the movies stay true to the books, Craig won’t have to worry too much about getting work over the next few years – Lord Asriel makes an appearance in all three novels.