Bond Villain Reveals Passion For Poker

Danish actor explains why Daniel Craig is no poker ace.

Actor Mads Mikkelsen would fancy his chances in a real-life game of high-stakes poker with James Bond star Daniel Craig.

The two men faced each other across the poker table in Casino Royale, when Craig made his debut as the suave secret agent and Mikkelsen played the film's arch-villain Le Chiffre.

In an interview with Metro, Mikkelsen revealed that he became a seasoned poker player long before the 2006 movie, although Craig appears to be more of a novice.

Reminiscing about the on-set poker games during the filming of Casino Royale, the 43-year-old Dane said: "I'd been playing poker for many years. I got a royal straight flush one day and everyone else had good hands, so that was a big pot."

When asked about Craig's prowess at the poker table, Mikkelsen told the newspaper: "He never played. I'm not sure he knew a spade from a diamond."

Mikkelsen explained that the English actor did not have much time for poker, as he often had to get up at 05:00 for filming.

Born in Copenhagen, the actor's other film credits include King Arthur and the Danish crime thriller Pusher.