What's under the cap, Mr. Bond? Daniel Craig shows off his grey goatee as he heads to the gym

We’re not entirely sure what James Bond would have to say about Daniel Craig’s tentative attempt to nurture this rather white looking beard.

The 45-year-old actor was stepping out in New York City on Thursday when he was spotted with a snowy growth of hair that appeared to have been gamely fashioned into a goatee.

With his normally fair thatch of hair hidden beneath a baseball cap, the apparent colour of his beard prompted one to wonder if said cap was hiding a secret.

You've got something on your face: Daniel Craig showcases the makings of a rather white looking goatee beard in New York City on Thursday

The 007 star was on his way to a local gym, and judging by his toned physique – clearly evident beneath his white T-shirt, Craig has been no stranger to exercise

following his temporary relocation to the Big Apple.

Indeed, Craig has brushed his Martini – shaken, not stirred – to one side while he treads the boards on Broadway in a production of Harold Pinter’s romantic drama Betrayal.

Joining him onstage when the curtain rises for the first time on October 1 will be his wife, Rachel Weisz. 

Snowy: Daniel Craig shows off his new facial hair during an outing in New York, where he is preparing to appear on Broadway alongside wife Rachel Weisz

Impressive: The 45-year-old actor looks in good shape as he makes his way to the gym

You looking at me? Craig spots photographers in New York on Thursday

Speaking to NPR about working with Weisz on the forthcoming production, the actor admitted that despite its dark sexual themes they’re still able to put their work to one side whenever they finish rehearsals.

He said: ‘What’s interesting about the play is that it’s very intense, and a very intense thing to do, but we manage to go home and just sort of leave it there at work.

‘I think otherwise it would be too difficult to do… we don’t talk to each other about it, no. We separate about it. You know, she gets on with her thing, and I get on with my thing. 

Pleased to meet you: Daniel Craig appears to meet a fan as he makes his way to the gym

‘And we decided to do that because it’s important to be separate entities when you’re at work.’

He also admitted that his character in the play – first produced in 1978 – is far removed from anything he’s previously undertaken as an actor.

‘It’s as far away from me as possible, I suppose,’ he said.

The play – directed by Mike Nichols – will also star British actor Rafe Spall as the character Weisz has a torrid affair with. 

Yes, it's really me: The actor chats to a member of the public in New York City on Thursday