Daniel Craig: 'I'm gagging to play James Bond again'

Daniel Craig has revealed that he cannot wait to reprise his role as James Bond when production begins on Bond 23 later this year.

The 23rd instalment of the action series will see Craig appear as Bond for the third time, following 2008's Quantum of Solace. He said that although he has enjoyed the break between the two films, he is "gagging" to return to the franchise.

"We've got a script, it's fantastic. I'm gagging to go, I've had a break now," he told Extra. "Although it sort of seemed like it was never going to happen, it always was going to happen - it was just a matter of sorting out people and financing. We start shooting October or November this year.

"It's been nice to have some time off from the role, it's given me a chance to have a break and have incredible opportunities like make this cowboy movie Cowboys & Aliens."

Craig appears opposite Harrison Ford in Cowboys & Aliens, where he plays an American cowboy fighting an alien invasion.

"I was surprised to be asked to play an American cowboy," he added. "I wanted to play a cowboy for as long as I could remember, but I genuinely thought I would never get the chance.

"I grew up watching Harrison's films and I've been a fan of him for years. Not only is he a great actor, he's a generous man and a generous actor. He's grumpy at times but he was great."

Bond 23 is expected to be released on November 9, 2012. Rhys Ifans is rumoured to have signed up for a role in the film, opposite his Enduring Love co-star.

> Daniel Craig 'to stay silent on Rachel Weisz wedding'

Watch the trailer for Cowboys & Aliens below: