Martin Campbell admitted Star Wars favourite Ewan was their first choice - but snubbed the offer because he feared becoming typecast.

He said Ewan was approached early in the hunt to replace Pierce Brosnan as 007. He added: "I think he got another job or decided he didn't want it."

Campbell also said he "wasn't totally convinced" Craig, 38, would match up to previous Bonds. The admission is the latest in a series of setbacks.

He was labelled "too soft" by fans following reports he is scared of heights and he was injured in his first fight scene.

Craig was also humiliated by claims he could not cope with gears in Bond's Aston Martin and needed an automatic.

McGregor said last year that playing Bond might have been fun, but he was worried about the long-term nature of the role.