Daniel Craig puts 007 on hold for WWII drama

Actor Daniel Craig poses during a photo call to promote his latest film "Casino Royale" at a Madrid hotel November 20, 2006.[AP]

British actor Daniel Craig will take a break from his 007 duties to star in a World War II action-drama about a band of Jewish resistance fighters, it was reported Thursday.

Craig, who earned universal acclaim for his gritty performance as the latest on-screen incarnation of James Bond in last year's "Casino Royale," has signed to star in "Defiance," entertainment journal Daily Variety reported.

The film is based on a true story and will be directed by Edward Zwick, who has enjoyed recent box-office success with the Leonardo DiCaprio action-adventure film "Blood Diamond."

"Defiance" tells the story of four Jewish brothers living in Nazi-occupied Poland who form an alliance with Russian resistance fighters.

Craig will shoot the film before returning as Bond in November 2008, the report said.