Sam Mendes shares Daniel Craig doubts

London - Sam Mendes admits he was initially sceptical about casting Daniel Craig as James Bond.

The director revealed he was "one of the people" who didn't think the actor was the right man to play the British spy in 2006 movie Casino Royale, but he was "completely wrong" as Daniel has gone on to star as the secret agent in 2008 film Quantum of Solace and will reprise his role as the character in this year's Skyfall.

'Cool approach'

He said: "I was one of the people who said I didn't think he was the right casting.

"At the time I was asked in an interview and I said I'm not sure, I would have advised him not to do it. I was completely wrong."

But Sam admits it was "great" to see Daniel pull off the role after experiencing such "intense pressure" during the casting process for the part.

He added: "I bumped into him after Casino Royale and I was so excited [to see him as Bond]. To watch him go through that intense pressure of being cast as Bond with flying colours ... it was great to see him come through that and prove the doubters wrong."

Despite Sam's initial concerns about Daniel's ability to portray James Bond, the 44-year-old star doesn't hold any grudges against the helmer and he praised his cool approach while filming Skyfall.

He explained: "I've got an awful lot to worry about on a movie like this and what working with Sam has allowed me to do is just concentrate on the job."

Skyfall is due for release on 26 October 2012.