007 swaps martinis for beer

James Bond actor Daniel Craig has given his backing to a commercial deal that will see 007 switching to Heineken beer in the latest James Bond movie, Skyfall, The Guardian reported yesterday.

Craig has also personally helped recruit Oscar-winning director Sam Mendes to take charge of the film.

The Guardian said the British secret agent, traditionally known for his penchant for martinis, "shaken not stirred", is set to enjoy one of the Dutch brewer's beers in at least one scene in the 23rd official Bond adventure as part of a reported $45-million (R350-million) deal.

Craig reportedly said the tie-in was a necessary part of the business of making an expensive project such as Skyfall.

"We have relationships with a number of companies so that we can make this movie," he told Moviefone. "The fact is that, without them, we couldn't do it.

"The great thing is that Bond is a drinker, he always has been, it's part of who he is, rightly or wrongly, you can make your own judgment about it. Having a beer is no bad thing, in the movie it just happens to be Heineken."