Everyone has their favourite James Bond.
For some, it’s Sean Connery’s suave Scottish turn as the spy, whilst for others its Daniel Craig’s gruff Englishness or Pierce Brosnan’s gadget-clad take.
But, if things had turned out differently, we could have had Sam Neill, Sir Michael Caine, or even Hollywood great Clint Eastwood as Bond.
Both Neill and Eastwood’s fellow American James Brolin filmed screen tests for the role but were ultimately passed over.
Sir Michael, Richard Burton and Clive Owen all turned down the part, whilst Dominic West turned up for an audition in jeans and a T-shirt.
This week, it was reported that self-declared feminist Aaron Taylor-Johnson, the star of 2010 superhero film Kick Ass, had been offered the role – although insiders insisted there is ‘no truth in the rumours’.
Below, we delve into what might have been had a series of other stars portrayed Bond.
Sam Neill
It was a job he never actually wanted, but Sam Neill still got as far as auditioning as James Bond.
The Jurassic Park star pitched himself as the replacement for Roger Moore when he left the role in 1985 after seven outings as the famous secret agent.
A short clip from Neill’s screen test shows him recreating a scene from Sean Connery’s 1963 film From Russia With Love.
Gun in hand, Neill walks into a room wearing an unbuttoned shirt and has a verbal exchange with ‘Tatania Romanova’ – a character in From Russia With Love – who is lying in a bed.
The scene ends with him saying: ‘My friends call me Bond, James Bond.’
In the end, Neill did not convince producers in his audition and the role instead went to Timothy Dalton, who went on to star in The Living Daylights and License to Kill.
Neill has said since that he only auditioned after being urged to by his agent.
‘I went along and auditioned for that but that was under great sufferance and I wouldn’t have done it anyway,’ he said in 2015.
In a separate interview in 2012, he said would not have wanted the attention that those who play Bond – such as Pierce Brosnan – get.
‘If you walk through London with Pierce people shout at him. Why would you want that?
‘That’s the worst — losing your anonymity,’ he told the Belfast Telegraph.
A short clip from Neill’s screen test shows him, gun in hand, walking into a room and telling a half-naked woman lying in a bed: ‘My friends call me Bond, James Bond’
James Brolin
If Roger Moore had not dropped his retirement thoughts after five outings as Bond, James Brolin would have been the man who replaced him.
In one of two screen tests he did, Brolin is seen being ambushed by an assailant while on the phone.
After fending off his would-be killer, he picks the phone back up and says: ‘Are you still there? I had a little trouble with the line.’
If Roger Moore had not dropped his retirement thoughts after five outings as Bond, James Brolin would have been the man who replaced him. Above: Brolin in one of two screen tests he did when being considered as Bond
The other audition showed him again re-creating the encounter with Tatania Romanova in From Russia With Love.
Like Connery, Brolin’s Bond is wearing only a bath towel.
His screen tests were sufficiently impressive for him to actually be cast as Bond, but Moore ultimately decided to return to make Octopussy in 1983 and so Brolin was left out in the cold.
Speaking to the Express, Brolin said: ‘I literally left [producer] Cubby Broccoli in London, came home to get all my stuff to live in England for a year, when Roger Moore said, ‘Oh I’ll do one more!’
Asked if he was disappointed about missing out, Brolin said: ‘Yeah! I was really up for that.
Moore went on to star in Octopussy before reprising his role as Bond for one final time in A View to a Kill.
Michael Caine
Sir Michael Caine was allegedly offered the role of Bond in 1967 after Sean Connery stepped down following You Only Live Twice (he later returned for Diamonds are Forever and 1983 non-Eon production Never Say Never Again).
Sir Michael was by then a major action star, having starred as spy Harry Palmer in The Ipcress File and Funeral In Berlin. In 1967 he reprised the role for a third time in Billion Dollar Brain.
However, Sir Michael, now 91, was not interested in playing Bond. He later told the Express: ‘I was always very much more ordinary. Bond was a glamorous, imaginative creation. I’ve always played real people.’
After Connery’s initial retirement, the Bond role went to George Lazenby and then Roger Moore.
Sir Michael Caine was allegedly offered the role of Bond in 1967 after Sean Connery stepped down following You Only Live Twice (he later returned for Diamonds are Forever and 1983 non-Eon production Never Say Never Again). Above: Sir Michael in 1965 spy film The Ipcress File
Michael Caine with gun in hand as Harry Palmer in The Ipcress File
Mel Gibson
In the late 1980s, American star Mel Gibson was flying high following successful roles in Mad Max and Lethal Weapon.
In 1987, he was considered for the role of Bond by production company MGM, but Bond producer Albert ‘Cubby’ Broccolli ultimately rejected the idea.
Despite his status as an action star, Gibson – who stands at around 5ft8in – was considered too short to play Bond.
Scriptwriter Tom Mankiewicz, who wrote The Man With The Golden Gun and Live And Let Die, previously said: ‘Cubby was against it. Cubby first of all had a thing about tall people. Bond had to be tall. And so Mel Gibson was too short.’
In the late 1980s, n star Mel Gibson was flying high following successful roles in Mad Max(above, 1985) and Lethal Weapon
Despite his status as an action star, Gibson – who stands at around 5ft8in – was considered too short to play Bond. Above: Gibson and Danny Glover in Le
Liam Neeson
Since starring in cult hit Taken in 2008, Liam Neeson has become a staple of the action genre.
But his status as a gun-toting killing machine could have been cemented much earlier in his career.
In the early 1990s he was strongly considered for the role of Bond, but ultimately turned it down.
Since starring in cult hit Taken in 2008, Liam Neeson has become a staple of the action genre
Liam Neeson has built the later part of his career portraying gun-toting killing machines. Above: In Taken
He told the Times that he told Barbara Broccoli, who heads up the 007 franchise, that he would be ‘very interested’.
But his girlfriend Natasha Richardson – who later became his wife before dying in a skiing accident in 2009 – was reluctant for him to take on the role because of all the ‘gorgeous girls in various countries getting in and out of [Bond’s] bed.’
She told him that if he took the part, he could forget about a wedding. The couple wed in 1994 and Neeson would hum the Bond theme at home to annoy his wife.
Asked what he would have brought to the role, he mischievously said: ‘I’d have been tempted to start speaking like Sean Connery.’
The Bond role went to Pierce Brosnan in 1994. He starred in Goldeneye in 1995 before reappearing as the spy in Tomorrow Never Dies, The World Is Not Enough and Die Another Day.
Richard Burton
Before Bond appeared on screen for the first time in Sean Connery’s Dr No in 1962, Hollywood’s Welsh superstar Richard Burton was approached to portray the spy by none other than Ian Fleming himself.
The author was trying to see if his first Bond novel, Casino Royale, could be adapted for the big screen.
Before Bond appeared on screen for the first time in Sean Connery’s Dr No in 1962, Hollywood’s Welsh superstar Richard Burton was approached to portray the spy by none other than Ian Fleming himself. Above: Burton with his then wife, fellow Hollywood star Elizabeth Taylor
However, Burton turned down the role because he was then appearing in King Arthur on Broadway.
His great-nephew Guy Masterson later said: ‘[Burton] told me that he thought it was going to be just another movie.’
Burton was again approached for the part a decade later but ruled himself out of contention because, in his view, he was not offered enough money.
Burton starred in spy thriller The Spy Who Came In From The Cold in 1965
Dominic West
Dominic West, who recently stared as Prince Charles in Netflix series The Crown, auditioned for the Bond role in 2005.
He previously recounted the experience, saying: ‘Apparently all of the other candidates were turning up in a tux – as if dressed in full-on James Bond garb.
‘So I went to my audition in an old pair of jeans and a tatty T-shirt. I thought I’d try to be different and go for the nonchalant look.’
However, West did not get the part. He has never expanded on why exactly he was turned down.
Dominic West, who recently stared as Prince Charles in Netflix series The Crown, auditioned for the Bond role in 2005. Above: West in The Crown
Clive Owen
Clive Owen revealed in 2012 that he turned down the role of Bond on several occasions.
He was talked up for the part after his tuxedo-clad turn in the crime film Croupier in 1998.
Clive Owen revealed in 2012 that he turned down the role of Bond on several occasions. He was talked up for the part after his tuxedo-clad turn in the crime film Croupier in 1998
But he said: ‘Playing James Bond would have been like entering a golden prison, and I doubt that would have suited me.
‘I may be the only actor who consistently said, “No, no, and no.”
‘I never understood what I would have been able to add to the role, or how I could play a character who has already been defined in the past. For me, Sean Connery is the real James Bond.’
Clint Eastwood
In the late 1960s, when the Bond producers were looking to replace Connery before he reneged on his decision to retire as the spy, Clint Eastwood was considered for the part.
Back then, he was best known for his appearances in Sergio Leone’s Dollars trilogy.
Eastwood as Bond would have been a controversial choice given that he is American and every star who landed the role on screen before and since has been British.
But he avoided any controversy by turning down the role, on the grounds he would have felt uncomfortable following on from Connery’s portrayal.
In the late 1960s, when the Bond producers were looking to replace Connery before he reneged on his decision to retire as the spy, Clint Eastwood was considered for the part. Back then, he was best known for his appearances in Sergio Leone’s Dollars trilogy. Above: Eastwood in 1964’s A Fistful of Dollars
James Bond fans are split over Aaron Taylor-Johnson ‘being cast’ to play the next 007 with some claiming he lacks charisma – while others hail him as a ‘great choice’
By Jon Brady
James Bond fans have taken to social media to share their thoughts on Marvel star Aaron Taylor-Johnson reportedly being cast as the next James Bond – with some fearing the action star is too bland to play the suave secret agent.
Taylor-Johnson, 33, is reportedly on the verge of inking a deal to star as the next Bond in an as-yet-untitled new take on the spy saga after Daniel Craig retired from the role following 2021’s No Time To Die.
Fans are conflicted about Taylor-Johnson’s casting as Bond – with some fearing he lacks the charisma necessary to fill the spy’s shoes, while others had hoped made for an older star, such as Henry Cavill or Idris Elba, to carry Bond’s classic maturity.
The actor is a self-confessed homebody, taking time away from acting to be with his daughters Wylda Rae, 13 and Romy Hero, 11, at home in Somerset – where he engages in un-Bondlike pastimes, keeping pigs and bees, and gardening.
He previous told Harpers Bazaar: ‘If I’m home in the countryside, I’m either gardening or cooking, or taking long walks. It makes me feel grounded. To avoid burnout, I think the most relaxing thing to do is just being immersed in nature.’
Aaron Taylor-Johnson is on the verge of signing a deal to become the next James Bond, according to reports
Daniel Craig retired from playing 007 with 2021’s No Time To Die (pictured), after five films and 15 years
Many fans felt casting Taylor-Johnson as Bond was the wrong call – with some labelling him ‘boring’ and lacking charisma, and others feeling he is too young for the role
Henry Cavill (left) was a favourite among many fans to replace Daniel Craig as Bond, while Idris Elba was linked to the Bond role for years
Taylor-Johnson will be older than Sean Connery (pictured) was when he was cast as Bond in what became his breakthrough cinematic role in Dr No
Fans took to social media to share their views on who they felt should have been cast as the next James Bond – with Henry Cavill and Idris Elba among the most popular alternatives
One fan on X, formerly Twitter, wrote: ‘Aaron Taylor-Johnson as James Bond? I don’t see it. In the vast majority of films I have seen in him he has been an utter charisma vacuum, with zero screen presence, gravitas or charm.’
Another said: ‘The next James Bond…big mistake – Henry Cavill was the best obvious choice.’
‘Should have been Idris Elba,’ wrote a third fan, while a fourth added: ‘There is absolutely no way that the role of the world’s most famous spy James Bond should go to Aaron Taylor-Johnson.’
They continued: ‘It should go to Henry Cavill – he’s perfect for the role.’
‘Aaron Taylor-Johnson can’t be the next Bond,’ opined another spy super-fan. ‘Great face, but wrong voice.’
Taylor-Johnson only came ninth in a recent poll of actors audiences wanted to see play the next Bond – being beaten out by Elba, Tom Hardy, Cavill, Cillian Murphy, Tom Hiddleston and Fifty Shades star Jamie Dornan.
And fans were not quiet this morning about who they would rather see stepping out of an Aston Martin, Walther PPK in hand.
‘I hope (Taylor-Johnson) does a good job, but on the surface he doesn’t strike me as a James Bond. I would’ve thought…Henry Cavill or Richard Madden,’ wrote one.
‘I would have preferred Henry Cavill… but hey-ho. Daniel Craig was never Bond,’ said another.
One filmgoer said of the Kick-Ass actor: ‘I think he’ll do OK. But if I’d have been putting money into this franchise I’d have been thinking Henry Cavill.
‘Big name, looks the part, can put bums on seats, guys love him, women love him. I think they could end up not making the money. Been some bad decisions by them.’
Some felt Taylor-Johnson, at 33, did not have the maturity to play an experienced version of the suave spy.
However, Sean Connery was younger than the actor when he made his first appearance as 007 in 1962’s Dr No – and had been a practical unknown before he was cast.
‘Don’t know much about him but he should be older. Perhaps they can make him up to look older. But a man in his early 30s would not be Bond,’ one X user said.
‘I still kinda want Idris Elba to get a shot, maybe as an older Bond as a one-off,’ another wrote.
Some, however, are willing to give the Marvel actor a chance.
‘I mean in my perfect world Idris Elba BUT I’m okay with this,’ one said.
‘Not sure about this Aaron Taylor-Johnson lad for Bond, but I said the same about (Robert) Pattinson for Batman’, said another.
On the r/jamesbond forum on Reddit, fans were equally dismissive of Taylor-Johnson’s prospects.
‘Doesn’t have “it” in my eyes,’ said one Redditor, while another added: ‘Gross he’s so wrong for it.’
‘I have nothing against ATJ as a person or an actor, I honestly had never heard of/noticed him until talk of Bond,’ wrote a third.
‘In my opinion though, I absolutely cannot see him as a good fit for Bond as we’ve come to know him, especially considering the other contenders.’
Taylor-Johnson began performing as a child and cut his teeth in films such as Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging, before achieving his breakthrough as John Lennon in the biopic Nowhere Boy.
His ascent to fame continued in Kick-Ass, based on Mark Millar’s hyper-violent comic book, playing the titular teenage vigilante in two movies to date.
He was then cast in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Pietro Maximoff, aka Quicksilver – a superhero with the ability to run at high speeds – and later appeared in Christopher Nolan’s Tent, The King’s Man and Bullet Train.
He is set to appear in The Fall Guy opposite Ryan Gosling as well as a remake of horror classic Nosferatu later this year.
He is also taking on the title role of Kraven the Hunter in the upcoming Marvel Comics film – set in a separate cinematic ‘universe’ from the one in which he played Quicksilver.
But away from the screen he has a much more sedate and quiet lifestyle with a flourishing farm in rural Somerset, where he grows organic vegetables and plans to keep chickens.
He told The Hollywood Reporter earlier this year: ‘I meditate for about 10 to 20 minutes every morning. I get up about 5.30 or 6am then I’ll go work out for an hour and then I’ll get my kids up and make breakfast and take them to school.
‘So for me, those moments are precious moments. And then a big one for me is actually being immersed outside and being in the elements in nature.
‘I love cooking and I love vegetable gardening and all those sort of things, sort of active and also just being immersed in outside an outdoors lifestyle. So yeah, I love being outside.’
Social media is split on whether Taylor-Johnson has the chops to step into 007’s shoes after a run of action films including Bullet Train (pictured)
He began acting as a child and has seen his career go from strength to strength, with three huge film appearances scheduled this year alone (pictured in The Fall Guy)
He is known to millions for his role as the super-speedy Pietro Maximoff in Avengers: Age of Ultron (pictured opposite Elizabeth Olsen in the film)
Among his early breakout roles as that of love interest Robbie in 2008’s Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging
Taylor-Johnson as Kick-Ass opposite Chloe Grace Moretz in the adaptation of Mark Millar’s ultra-violent comic
He will also take on the title role of Kraven the Hunter in the upcoming adaptation of the Marvel Comics character
Sources told The Sun that the Bond role was his – pending his signature on a contract with EON Productions, which produces the Bond films.
One said: ‘Bond is Aaron’s job, should he wish to accept it. The formal offer is on the table and they are waiting to hear back.
‘As far as Eon is concerned, Aaron is going to sign his contract in the coming days and they can start preparing for the big announcement.’
Responding to the rumours that he could step into Bond’s shoes last week, Aaron played coy, telling Numero: ‘I find it charming and wonderful that people see me in that role. I take it as a great compliment.’
The Bullet Train star’s name has been in the running for Bond for a while now, alongside fellow A-list contenders like Tom Hardy, Henry Cavill and recent Oscar-winner Cillian Murphy.
In October last year, the Mail exclusively revealed that Aaron was the ‘one to beat’ to take the iconic role, while Oppenheimer director Christopher Nolan was looking likely to helm the next film in the franchise.
The insider said: ‘Aaron Taylor-Johnson is currently the hot favorite to step into the iconic role, he’s the first choice for Barbara Broccoli – he is the one to beat.’
In March 2023, Aaron was said to have completed a screen test at Pinewood Studios with Bond boss Barbara and impressed her.
According to the Mail On Sunday, Barbara has made it clear she wanted the next actor to portray the character for 15 years.
Outside of acting, Aaron’s personal life has generated much public interest, due to the large age gap between him and his wife.
He tied the knot with Sam Taylor-Johnson, 57, in June 2012, and they share daughters Wylda Rae, 13, and Romy Hero, 11.
Fifty Shades of Grey director Sam also has two older daughters – Angelica, 26, and Jessie, 17, with her ex-husband Jay Jopling.
Their relationship has caused controversy, as the couple met while filming Nowhere Boy in 2009, which Sam directed, when Aaron was 18 and she was 42, going on to welcome their first daughter Wylda the following year.
Sam previously spoke about falling for Aaron on the set, but insisted nothing happened until the movie wrapped.
She said: ‘I managed to hold off really until almost the end of the film. We weren’t even together then. Maybe feelings were there but un-acted upon.
‘The thing is, we had quite a psychic link when working together. I knew from a flicker of an eyelash what kind of performance I was going to get. I felt that link almost from day one of meeting him.’
And while Idris Elba was the top choice for many fans, he has ruled himself out several times – focusing on projects such as Luther instead.
Back in August 2022, it was reported he had walked away from ‘years of talks’ with movie bosses to take over the famous role.
And in February 2023, he insisted: ‘You know, a lot of people talk about another character that begins with J and ends with B, but I’m not going to be that guy.’
James Bond fans confirm who they REALLY want as Daniel Craig’s replacement – overwhelmingly beating out two other 007 candidates
By Hannah McDonald and Tom Cotterill
It’s the movie role that can transform unknown actors into global mega stars – and now Brits have had their say over who they want the next James Bond to be.
Since Daniel Craig put down his martini and hung up his tux, movie fans have been eagerly waiting to find out who will be next to pick up 007’s gun.
One of Hollywood’s most iconic roles, actors who played the suave, steely-eyed and devastatingly charming spy include Sean Connery, Roger Moore, Pierce Brosnan and Timothy Dalton.
Now, thousands of Bond fans have been casting their vote over who they want to replace Craig in the franchise.
And topping the list is Luther star Idris Elba, who was the overwhelming favourite for the gig following a study of 2,000 Brits.
The poll, commissioned by Lottoland, saw the 51-year-old beating the likes of Venom star Tom Hardy, Superman’s Henry Cavill and the Oscar-winning man with the golden gong, Cillian Murphy, to the prized role.
Some of the other top 20 A-listers fans suggested to be in the running included some left-wing stars, like House of the Dragons’ Emilia Clarke, James Norton, Emily Blunt and Helen Mirren, The Sun revealed.
Fans of James Bond revealed which actor they would most like to see replace Daniel Craig in the spy flicks – Idris Elba (seen on Saturday)
Daniel Craig has played James Bond for five instalments of the spy flicks, since Casino Royale in 2006
Superman Henry Cavill is another Bond making the top 20 of the poll
Also in the running is Venom star Tom Hardy who was the second favourite to replace Daniel Craig as 007
From Sean Connery (left) to Roger Moore (right), the men chosen to play Bond are typically steely-eyed, testosterone-fuelled, with deadly charm
Pictured: Pierce Brosnan as 007
Bond is famed for turning those who play 007 into global superstars.
And the franchise isn’t shy of casting left-field stars to take on the role. The late Sean Connery, one of the most recognisable Bonds, had only featured in a series of TV films when he accepted the role of the titular British spy in 1962’s Dr. No, catapulting him to international fame.
But while Idris was the top choice, fans may end up disappointed after the actor ruled himself out of playing the role last year so he could focus on his deal with Netflix, where he is starring in Luther: The Fallen Sun.
Idris brought up the persistent discussions about him taking over as Ian Fleming’s famed British spy in February 2023.
When asked about the Luther film at the World Government Summit in Dubai, he said: ‘It’s very dark.
‘We’ve been working on the television show for about 10 years and so the natural ambition is to take it to the big screen, and so we’re here with the first movie.
‘You know, a lot of people talk about another character that begins with J and ends with B, but I’m not going to be that guy.
‘I’m going to be John Luther. That’s who I am.’
Back in August 2022, it was reported Idris had walked away from ‘years of talks’ with movie bosses to take over the famous role.
He had been the bookies’ favourite to replace Daniel Craig as the super spy, but is keen to pursue other roles – and has even put forward a list of proposed names to producer Barbara Broccoli of actors to play 007.
A source told The Sun: ‘Fans and Barbara wanted Idris but he wants to create something for himself.
‘However, he’s put forward names to play 007. He’s ‘informally’ in the decision-making process as he’s been in talks with producers for so long.’
contacted reps for Idris and James Bond producers at the time.
While Aaron Taylor-Johnson, once hailed as the ‘one to beat’ to become the next 007, placed 9th
He’s the man with the golden gong, but could Oscar-winner Cillian Murphy be the next 007
How about Marvel’s cheeky trickster, Loki? Tom Hiddleston features sixth on the list
But there are some left-field entries, too, including Emily Blunt as the first female Bond
And House of the Dragon star Emilia Clarke – who once played Sarah Connor in the Terminator franchise – is also a female front runner
While at the premiere of his movie The Harder They Fall in 2021, Idris said when asked if he’ll be considered as the next 007 he said: ‘No, I’m not going to be James Bond.’
He also told The Express about the rumours: ‘I’m probably the most famous Bond actor in the world, and I haven’t even played the role.’
Idris then added: ‘Enough is enough. I can’t talk about it anymore.’
Despite this Ladbrokes awarded the actor 3/1 on taking on the role after Daniel announced 2021’s No Time To Die would be his last outing as the character.
The bookmakers said at the time: ‘We’ve seen a flurry of interest in Idris Elba and have slashed his odds accordingly, so much so that he’s now the clear favourite as far as we’re concerned to replace Daniel Craig as 007.’
Also rumoured to be in the running at the time were Tom Hardy at 5/1, Rege-Jean Page 4/1 and Richard Madden 20/1.
Daniel Craig has been Bond since his first outing in 2006’s Casino Royal, before announcing 2021’s No Time To Die would be his last time as 007
Grantchester’s James Norton (pictured in 2021) placed fourth in the poll for the future famed spy
Others in the running for Bond include Scottish Game of Thrones star, Richard Madden
Regé Jean-Page (pictured in July 2022) also made the list, placing just behind Madden in 11th
Spider-Man Tom Holland was also on the list to replace Daniel Craig as Bond
James Bond producer Barbara previously admitted it will take a long time to choose Craig’s 007 replacement.
The filmmaker insisted it’s not as easy as picking an actor to take on the iconic role of the suave spy.
Speaking to Variety, Barbara said: ‘It’s a big decision.
‘It’s not just casting a role. It’s about a whole rethink about where we’re going.’
Earlier that same year, the blockbuster franchise’s producer confirmed Idris was ‘part of the conversation’ to be the next 007.
She told Deadline’s Crew Call podcast: ‘Well, we know Idris, we’re friends with him, and he’s a magnificent actor.’
‘And, you know, it’s been a part of the conversation, but it’s always difficult to have the conversation when you have someone in the seat.’
Hunky Fifty Shades of Grey star Jamie Dornan also features in the top 20 for the next Bond
As does Welshman Luke Evans, who has starred in a string of Hollywood blockbusters – including the Hobbit, Fast & Furious 6 and Dracula Untold
Flying high off his recent role in the Netflix smash, Saltburn, could Barry Keoghan be the next to step into the shoes of 007?
Perhaps an unlikely choice but Leo Woodall’s role in Neflix’s One Day has seen his popularity surge – sitting 13th in the table for future Bonds
Barbara added that there is no rush from Bond bosses to name the actor as they wanted to let the cast and crew savour the Craig’s final movie No Time To Die.
She said: ‘I think we have decided that until No Time To Die has had its run and Daniel has been able to – well, we’ve all been able to savour, reap the benefits of Daniel’s wonderful tenure, we’re not gonna think about, or talk about anybody else.’
The producer also hinted at a re-imagining of the franchise. explaining: ‘It’s a reinvention of Bond. We’re working out where to go with him, we’re talking that through.’
She added though that any casting announcements are a way off, saying: ‘We’re reinventing who he is and that takes time,’ she continued. ‘There isn’t a script and we can’t come up with one until we decide how we’re going to approach the next film. ‘I’d say that filming is at least two years away.’
All the previous actors to star as James Bond
James Bond has been thrilling cinema-goers worldwide with his adrenaline-fuelled secret missions to exotic places for more than 60 years.
The British spy, codenamed 007, has found himself fighting villains and terrorists on the moon, under water and at the top of a skyscraper.
And since his big screen debut in 1962, only six actors have played Bond (seven, if you include the portrayal of 007 by Peter Sellers in 1967’s comedy spoof ‘Casino Royal’).
The hunt is now on to find the latest Bond, with front-runners including Tom Hardy, Henry Cavill and Cillian Murphy. Now, we look back at all the previous actors to star as 007.
Sean Connery: 1962-1971
Sean Connery was the first Bond to hit the big screen in a dashing debut as 007
The first star to hit the screen as Bond was the devastatingly charming Sean Connery, starring in 1962’s Dr. No.
The acclaimed Scotsman went on to feature in five more Bond flicks, before retiring as 007 in 1971’s Diamonds are Forever.
George Lazenby: 1969
He may only have had one outing as James Bond, was met with a mixed reception
However, George Lazenby made his only appearance as the British spy in 1969’s 007 On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.
He’s version of Bond, however, was met with a mixed reception. Some lauded him for a more serious portray of the spy. But others felt he was uncharismatic, and lacked the suave and charm of Connery.
Roger Moore: 1977-1985
Roger Moore was one of the longest-serving Bonds, featuring in seven films
Roger Moore became the next Bond, featuring in seven films from 1977’s Live and Let Die, to his final outing in 1985’s A View to a Kill.
Moore’s turn as 007 brought without some outlandish and ludicrous plot lines, which featured him battling on the moon in Moonraker.
Timothy Dalton: 1985-1989
Timothy Dalton was next to take on the mantle, debuting as Bond in 1987’s The Living Daylights.
Timothy Dalton was next to take on the mantle, debuting as Bond in 1987’s The Living Daylights.
Dalton’s portrayal brought a gritter and more serious Bond to the screen, with a darker sense of humour.
He featured in one more Bond film, A Licence to Kill, in 1989 before being replaced.
Pierce Brosnan: 1995-2002
Pierce Brosnan was the next bond, debuting in 1995’s Goldeneye
It took six years for Dalton’s replacement, Pierce Brosnan, to get his outing in the 1995 smash-hit Golden Eye.
Brosnan went on to do three more Bond films during his seven-year stint as 007, which wound with Die Another Die in 2002.
Daniel Craig: 2006-2021
Daniel Craig’s take on Bond saw a beefed up version of the British spy taking to the screens (pictured in-character in 2020)
Daniel Craig stepped Bond’s in 2006 with a cinematic reset of the titular spy, replacing the gadgetry of previous installments with a grittier and more muscular reinvention of 007.
His opening portrayal of a more haunted Bond in his debut film, Casino Royal, was critically celebrated – hailed as one of the best Bonds in years.
Craig would feature in four more films before finally downing his last Martini – shaken, not stirred – in 2021’s No Time To Die, becoming the first Bond to be killed on screen.