The name's not Bond

Actor Daniel Craig says he's not going to be the next James Bond, following a flurry of stories today claiming he had won the part. A spokeswoman for the star of hit gangster movie Layer Cake denied the reports but wouldn't comment further.

Eon Productions, which makes the Bond movies, also refused to comment.

This means that fellow British actor Clive Owen may still be in the running to take over from Pierce Brosnan.

Other names mentioned to play the 007 role have included Eric Bana, Jude Law, Heath Ledger, Ewan McGregor, Dougray Scott and Australian Hugh Jackman.

The next James Bond movie, Casino Royale, is being directed by Martin Campbell, who first took the helm on Goldeneye in 1995. The Sun said today that Craig had been offered a three-film deal by producer Barbara Broccoli.