Bond producers say Daniel Craig will play 007 in a second film slated for a May 2008 release, the BBC reports, despite widespread outrage among diehard fans who questioned the blond actor's suitability for the role.

Craig's Bond debut - Casino Royale - will hit the silver screen in November. His co-star Caterina Murino admitted Craig had been upset by the flak his casting had attracted, but said he was convinced he'd win over the fans. She explained: "This James Bond doesn't look like a little cartoon like before, like the last one or so charming and playful like the first James Bond. This is new."

Producer Barbara Broccoli also praised the sixth Bond for "portraying, with emotional complexity, a darker and edgier 007". ®