One James Bond star addresses how he almost became involved with the franchise earlier than his first appearance. Sir Ian Fleming’s iconic spy was first brought to the screen by Sean Connery in 1962’s Dr. No and would lead the franchise across seven movies from the 1960s to the 1980s. His final appearance came in 1983’s Never Say Never Again, as the actor made a surprise return to the franchise after previously bowing out in 1971.

As of 2025, seven actors have portrayed Bond across the franchise’s 63-year run. Connery shares the record of most appearances with Roger Moore, with each actor having seven movies in their era. While the core elements of the character’s suave, cool-headed, and professional nature have been retained, the character has evolved through each actor, be it adopting a more progressive mindset or the standards of who could portray the character. As such, the character is one of Hollywood’s enduring heroes.

Timothy Dalton Was Offered To Play James Bond After Sean Connery

The Actor Almost Debuted A Decade Earlier

When Moore finally stepped away from the role in 1985, Timothy Dalton was cast as 007 and inherited the duties of leading the James Bond franchise throughout the rest of the decade. Known primarily for his television roles and portrayal of Prince Darin in Flash Gordon, Dalton would portray Bond in 1987’s The Living Daylights and 1989’s License To Kill as a harder-edged, more serious, and human 007 than his predecessors. While a third movie was in development, delays saw Dalton’s license expire in 1993.

However, when speaking to Vanity Fair, Dalton revealed that former franchise producer Albert Broccoli approached him to take on the role following Connery’s initial departure in the 1970s. However, the actor felt his mid-twenties would not be a good fit for the character. Furthermore, he stated that he found the prospect of following Connery intimating. Check out Dalton’s full explanation below:

There was a time when Sean Connery was leaving and—I can’t say I was offered it, but I was asked if I’d like to do it or not. And I said no, because it seemed to me that the age of 24 or 25 doesn’t seem quite right for this character. So that is true… He needs to be. You could play it at that younger age, but I don’t know that I’d believe it that much…

It was easy enough. You don’t want to follow Sean Connery, who was truly, truly magnificent—and who I had been watching in the role since I was 13 or 14. No, don’t do that.

Our Thoughts On Dalton’s Potential Bond Casting

Dalton’s Potential Pressures Are Common For The Franchise

While the role would eventually be taken on by Dalton, the actor is not wrong to be concerned about the immense scrutiny that comes with playing Bond. Not only did Dalton’s darker Bond cause division, but actor Daniel Craig suffered similar critiques. Additional complaints about Craig’s casting included the lack of Bond’s traditional physical traits. As such, it is understandable why Dalton was reluctant to take on the role with his first offer.
However, each Bond actor has found their audience with time. Whether they were someone’s introduction to the character or have stood the test of time, actors who have portrayed 007 have earned recognition for what they brought to the role, with Dalton earning praise for how he paved the way for later reimaginings. Furthermore, as the James Bond franchise searches for its new lead amidst leadership shake-ups, Dalton’s recollection is a reminder of the pressures that playing the character still brings.
Source: Vanity Fair

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James Bond

The James Bond franchise centers on the fictional British Secret Service agent James Bond, also known by his code number 007. Created by writer Ian Fleming in 1953, Bond has been featured in novels, films, television, radio, comics, and video games. The film series, produced by Eon Productions, is one of the longest-running and highest-grossing franchises in history, known for its blend of espionage, action, and sophisticated style.

Specifications

Genres

Action (Genre)

Summary

The James Bond franchise centers on the fictional British Secret Service agent James Bond, also known by his code number 007. Created by writer Ian Fleming in 1953, Bond has been featured in novels, films, television, radio, comics, and video games. The film series, produced by Eon Productions, is one of the longest-running and highest-grossing franchises in history, known for its blend of espionage, action, and sophisticated style.

Created by

Ian Fleming (Person), Albert R. Broccoli (Person)

First Film

Dr. No (Movie, Movies/TV)

Latest Film

No Time to Die (Movie, Movies/TV)

Upcoming Films

James Bond 26 (Movie, Movies/TV)