Daniel Craig says being catapulted to fame "threw [him] for a loop".

The British actor became a worldwide star following the success of 2006 movie Casino Royale, his first outing as iconic spy James Bond. Before landing the role, Daniel had enjoyed success in a series of smaller movies and wasn't prepared for the consequences of being a household name.

"It threw me for a loop, quite honestly. It really f**king shook me up and made me look at the world in a very different way. It changed my life," he told the latest issue of UK magazine Esquire. "It just confused the hell out of me. Fame and fortune, for want of a better expression is, erm, f**king scary. My background is not well off. And there aren't many people you can ask for advice about [dealing with] that."

Daniel is still adjusting to his new status, but remains fiercely protective of his personal life. The 44-year-old is married to actress Rachel Weisz and the couple prefer to keep their relationship out of the spotlight.

Daniel admits he struggles to trust new people and has few celebrity pals.

"My pride would push that away," he replied when asked if he would consider confiding in another Hollywood star about his battle with fame.

Daniel realises he is in a fortunate position and is happy with his life. However, he has been careful to always keep things in perspective and not become carried away with his own success.

"I couldn't find a lot of fun in it. I'm not very materialistic. I mean, I love nice things, but I give a f**k about what's going on in my head, you know?" he added when asked what he found enjoyable when he first became famous. "So trying to get that straight really has been, it's been You know, there's that great expression: know thyself?' I think I probably stopped knowing myself for a couple of years. And really, you've got to find your own way back."