(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Daniel Craig is growing a beard for the upcoming James Bond movie, making him the first 007 star to do so.

The British actor is required to sport facial hair for his turn as the iconic secret agent in the next instalment of the franchise, Skyfall. Daniel will be the first Bond to sport facial fuzz when he reprises his role as the suave spy, according to British newspaper The Sun.

Pierce Brosnan showed off a beard in Die Another Day, but that was only due to him being held captive.

According to the publication, Daniel's facial hair is not the only change being made to the film. Movie insiders have revealed that the budget for the high-octane action film has been drastically cut.

"They've really scaled back," the insider revealed. "The lavish production and locations have been cut. There is only a reduced cast and crew travelling to the few overseas destinations.

"There's not so flash hand-to-hand fighting, it's gone back to blowing stuff up, including London's Vauxhall Bridge."

Filming is expected to start next month in England and Scotland. (C) Cover Media