Clive Owen denies turning down Bond role

British actor Clive Owen, who recently praised Daniel Craig for his acting skills in 'Casino Royale' has denied reports he turned down the role of James Bond in the film.

Pierce Brosnan, the previous 'James Bond' was subsequently replaced by Daniel Craig as the famous spy, but Clive Owen has since been rumored to have refused the part offered to him by director Martin Campbell.

But Owen insists the claims were false.

He says, "I didn't turn it down. I was never offered it. It was all hype.

"My wanting the role was never an issue. It was all spun. By whom I have no idea." Owen, who has vocalised his support for Craig's casting as 007, believes Bond bosses made the right decision recruiting someone who didn't physically match the previous movie incartnations of the spy.
He adds, "That's ridiculous. Really. That's where you will get bad James Bonds if you cast a guy who just looks right. You cast the best actor."