Daniel Craig has joked the long nights in Sweden are the reason behind the many Scandinavian crime novels.

The actor is currently promoting his new movie The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, which is adapted from Stieg Larsson's successful book series.

Daniel's experience of the early Swedish sunset made him realize that it leaves plenty of time for creating gripping stories.

"After many months in Sweden I can imagine why. The sun there sets at 2.30pm - what else is there to do but telling stories" he told website Nachrichten.at.

"I never would have thought that they are going to make movies [of the books]. [After reading the books] I thought to myself: They would never dare!"

The James Bond star sees journalists in a different light after playing one in his new movie. The 43-year-old was previously quoted as comparing interviews with a visit to the dentist.

"That was a joke. I don't have a problem with journalists. I even admire some of them!" he insisted.

"Just think about how journalists in dictatorships fight like heroes for democratic values and even risk their lives - these people are the true heroes of our time to me."