NEW BLOCKBUSTER

Craig next appears in cinemas in early December in "The Golden Compass," a big-budget adaptation of Philip Pullman's acclaimed novel "Northern Lights."

A fan of the books, Craig always saw himself playing the explorer Lord Asriel. As with Bond, the role will probably mean having to commit to more films, because "Northern Lights" is the first installment in a trilogy.

"On a completely selfish level ... I would really like to continue telling this story," he said.

Pullman fans are concerned that the Hollywood version has watered down the theme of religion, while a U.S. Catholic group has called for a boycott of "The Golden Compass," fearing it will attract young readers to books it says are anti-Christian.

Craig defended the film, which also features Nicole Kidman.

"I think it does stand up. It's an incredibly enjoyable couple of hours."

But he would have welcomed the inclusion of more overt religious content.

"I wish there was, because I think the debate that Philip Pullman raises is incredibly healthy," he said.

"I think the thing that Philip Pullman has done so spectacularly is using the platform of a children's book to deal with very adult themes. My hope is that people will watch this film and read the books."