11 The actors who could have played James Bond
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This article is from the James Bond FAQ, by Michael Reed reed55@core.com with numerous contributions by others.
11 The actors who could have played James Bond
Besides the men listed above many others have tried out for the role of 007.
Here are some of the notable ones.
A - John Gavin - The American Gavin actually signed a contract with EON to
be the new James Bond in 1970, after the George Lazenby implosion. However
it was no secret that EON coveted Sean Connery. When they lured him back
with a promise to produce and star in two films and a hefty one million-plus
salary that was mostly used to co-find the Scottish Education Trust, Gavin
politely stepped aside. The actor, who can be seen in "Psycho" and
"Spartacus", went on to be a U.S. Ambassador to Mexico during the Reagan
administration.
B - James Brolin - It is well documented that Brolin, best known now as
Barbra Streisand's other half, screen tested opposite Maud Adams before
Moore agreed to return to "Octopussy".
What is lesser know is Brolin's claim that he was actually, like Gavin,
signed to a contract. He told Bond enthusiast Richard Ashton in 1998 that he
was hired by Cubby Broccoli and had searched from a home in London at the
time. He also commented about his American accent by suggesting that
Broccoli did not intend to hide it and hoped audiences would see Brolin's
physical presence and ignore the issue. Eventually Moore returned and Brolin
was left aside. (Submitted by Richard Ashton <mailto:ashton@home.com>)
C - Julian Glover - Glover auditioned for the role after the franchise
needed a replacement for Connery, according to a Starlog Magazine interview
in 1981. But he was not surprised when Roger Moore snagged the lead in "Live
And Let Die" because "we all knew Roger would get it. " Glover did make a
mark with the series, playing villain Ari Kristatos in "For Your Eyes Only".
D - Sam Neill - Screen tested in 1986 after negotiations collapsed with
Pierce Brosnan, Neill was a strong contender, even getting a public mention
of contention by "The Living Daylights" casting director. The role would end
up going to Timothy Dalton. Neill is now best identified for his star turn
in "Jurassic Park".
E - Lewis Collins - Having screen tested in the early eighties, Collins
was a favorite of the British press. He starred in the television series,
"The Professionals".
F - David Warbeck - According to interviews the late actor gave for "David
Warbeck: The Man and His Movies", he was under contract to EON throughout
the late seventies and early eighties, prepared to assume the role of 007
should Roger Moore have packed his bags.
G - Michael Billington - Billington screen tested for the starring role in
"Live And Let Die". While he was passed over then he did portray Sergei
Barsov, the Russian agent and lover of "Triple X", Major Anya Amasova, who
was killed by Bond's ski pole before 007 made his parachute leap in the
teaser of "The Spy Who Loved Me". He is best known for his role on the cult
favorite TV show "UFO".
H - Patrick McGoohan - McGoohan's credits include two television spies -
"The Prisoner" and "Danger Man" (a.k.a. "Secret Agent Man"). He could have
made a mark in the genre earlier but he did not want the lead role in "Dr.
No" due to "moral reasons." Whether or not he would have actually been given
the role if desired is in question.
He was actually offered the role at least twice, according to some sources,
including interviews with the actor himself. One reason given was his
choice of not appearing in a work he would not let his daughters watch.
(Submitted by Malus <mailto:frank@fshailes.fsnet.co.uk>)
I - Stewart Granger - Never a real shot with EON, it is noted here because
Granger was one of a few preferences by Ian Fleming himself. Granger's real
name was James Stewart, not to be confused with the American actor famous
for "It's A Wonderful Life" and "The Philadelphia Story". When Fleming
listed "James Stewart" on his list, he meant Granger, who starred in "King
Solomon's Mines" and director Terence Young's "Woman Hater".
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