Third time James Bond Daniel Craig and Oscar winning director Sam Mendes touched down in Berlin on Tuesday (October 30), introducing their latest addition to the 007-franchise.

While initially reluctant about directing a Bond movie, Briton Mendes told Reuters he soon changed his mind after seeing Craig play the part.

SOUNDBITE Director Sam Mendes saying (English):

"Once, he played the part and suddenly I was interested in it again, I am a big fan of Daniel's, and a friend. And two, he asked me. And I think if he hadn't asked me maybe I wouldn't be sitting here, because I never really set out, I never thought I have to direct a Bond movie, I'm going to go and ask to direct a Bond movie. It just happened that way, it was just one of those happy accidents."

Darker, more complex and perhaps more nontypical a 007-movie than its predecessor, "Skyfall" is skyrocketing, having set the record for the biggest UK weekend box office takings of any James Bond film.

The film, which had its royal world premiere in London last week and opens in the United States on November 9.

"Skyfall" marks 50 years after the first Bond film "Dr. No" premiered in London in 1962.