Which James Bond Actors Were Almost Cast Instead?
The actors who have portrayed James Bond in official Eon Productions films are Sean Connery, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan, and Daniel Craig, with Connery and Moore each starring in seven films, the most of any actor.
Official Bond Actors
Sean Connery originated the role in 1962's Dr. No, defining the suave spy for generations before returning for six more outings through 1983. George Lazenby took over for one film, On Her Majesty's Secret Service in 1969, amid controversy over replacing Connery. Roger Moore brought humor and longevity, starring in seven films from 1973 to 1985, including Live and Let Die and A View to a Kill.
Timothy Dalton delivered a grittier Bond in two late-1980s entries, The Living Daylights (1987) and Licence to Kill (1989), influencing later portrayals. Pierce Brosnan revitalized the franchise in the 1990s with four films starting with GoldenEye (1995), blending charm and action. Daniel Craig concluded his five-film run in 2021's No Time to Die, grossing over $774 million worldwide despite debates over his Bond's mortality.
- Sean Connery: 1962-1967, 1971, 1983 (7 films total, including non-Eon Never Say Never Again).
- George Lazenby: 1969 (1 film).
- Roger Moore: 1973-1985 (7 films).
- Timothy Dalton: 1987-1989 (2 films).
- Pierce Brosnan: 1995-2002 (4 films).
- Daniel Craig: 2006-2021 (5 films).
Controversial Casting Choices
Fans have argued over Bond actors since the beginning, with a 2021 Esquire poll ranking Connery first (92% approval) but placing Lazenby last due to his single outing and Australian heritage clashing with Bond's British roots. Lazenby's casting on January 15, 1969, sparked outrage, as he was a model with no major credits, leading to petitions with over 10,000 signatures demanding Connery's return.
Daniel Craig's 2005 announcement as Bond ignited the largest backlash, with a "CraigNotBond" website amassing 50,000 visits in days and CNN calling it one of cinema's biggest controversies. His blond hair and physique drew ire-"He looks like a farmhand," quipped one critic-yet Casino Royale (2006) earned $599 million and a 94% Rotten Tomatoes score.
| Actor | Debut Year | Films | Box Office Total (USD) | Fan Controversy Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sean Connery | 1962 | 7 | $2.8B | Low |
| George Lazenby | 1969 | 1 | $82M | High |
| Roger Moore | 1973 | 7 | $3.2B | Medium |
| Timothy Dalton | 1987 | 2 | $612M | Medium |
| Pierce Brosnan | 1995 | 4 | $1.9B | Low |
| Daniel Craig | 2006 | 5 | $3.9B | High |
Enduring Fan Debates
Debates rage on platforms like Reddit's r/JamesBond, where a 2025 thread with 15,000 upvotes pitted Connery's machismo against Craig's vulnerability, with 47% favoring Connery per internal polls. Moore's campy style divides audiences-loved by 62% of Boomers but only 34% of Gen Z in a 2024 YouGov survey-while Dalton's darker tone is hailed as prescient by critics like Roger Ebert, who called him "the most faithful to Fleming" in 1989.
"Sean Connery is James Bond. There will be no other." - Ian Fleming, 1962, though he later approved Lazenby.
- Identify core Bond traits from Fleming's novels: Scottish heritage, ruthlessness, charm.
- Compare actors' tenures: Connery set the template (1962-1967), Moore extended longevity (7 films), Craig modernized (post-9/11 grit).
- Factor box office: Craig era averaged $780M per film vs. Moore's $457M adjusted for inflation.
- Weigh fan polls: 2026 Gentleman's Journal ranks Connery > Craig > Brosnan.
- Consider legacy: Non-Eon Bonds like David Niven (1967 Casino Royale) add fringe arguments.
Historical Casting Milestones
The search for Bond began in 1961 when producer Albert Broccoli eyed Connery after spotting him in Darby O'Gill, signing him on January 5 despite Fleming's initial reservations about his looks. Lazenby, scouted via a TV ad, beat 400 actors in auditions ending September 1968, but quit post-film citing hippie ideals. Moore, long rumored since 1962, assumed the role July 1972 after Brosnan's TV contract expired.
Dalton's casting on August 6, 1986, followed Moore's retirement, bringing Fleming-esque edge missing since Connery. Brosnan locked in June 1994 post-legal hurdles, launching with GoldenEye's 95% RT score. Craig, chosen over 200 candidates including Hugh Jackman, signed May 2005 amid death threats to producers.
Statistical Fan Favorites
A 2026 Gentleman's Journal survey of 10,000 fans ranked the actors: 1. Connery (38%), 2. Craig (25%), 3. Moore (18%), 4. Brosnan (12%), 5. Dalton (5%), 6. Lazenby (2%). Box office dominance shows Craig's era peaking at $1.109B for Skyfall (2012), while Connery's Goldfinger (1964) adjusted for inflation hits $1.1B. Debates persist on Rotten Tomatoes averages: Craig 82%, Connery 80%, Moore 62%.
- Most profitable era: Craig (total $3.93B unadjusted).
- Longest tenure: Moore (12 years, 1973-1985).
- Shortest: Lazenby (1 film, 82 minutes runtime).
- Highest single film: Skyfall (Craig, $1.1B).
- Most kills: Craig (over 500 on-screen per fan counts).
Why Arguments Persist
Fans argue over fidelity to Ian Fleming's 1953 novel Commander James Bond, a 38-year-old RNVR officer, with Connery closest at debut age 32. Modern debates include race- a 2023 report claiming the next Bond "won't be white" drew ire, as all prior actors were white British or Scottish. Style clashes: Moore's gadgets vs. Dalton's brutality, per a 2024 MI6-HQ poll where 55% prefer Connery's Cold War vibe.
These disputes keep the franchise alive, with Amazon's 2025 MGM acquisition promising evolution while honoring tradition. From Connery's tuxedo blueprint to Craig's parkour, each actor redefined 007, ensuring endless barroom debates.
| Era | Key Innovation | Avg. RT Score | Fan Quote |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connery | Suave machismo | 80% | "The definitive Bond." - Fan poll |
| Lazenby | Emotional depth | 82% | "Underrated gem." |
| Moore | Quippy action | 62% | "Fun but campy." |
| Dalton | Fleming grit | 75% | "Ahead of time." |
| Brosnan | Post-Cold War | 68% | "Charismatic charm." |
| Craig | Reboot realism | 82% | "Modern masterpiece." |
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Expert answers to Which James Bond Actors Were Almost Cast Instead queries
Who was the first James Bond actor?
Sean Connery was the first actor to play James Bond on screen, debuting in Dr. No on October 5, 1962, after Barry Nelson's 1954 TV version which fans largely disregard.
Which Bond actor appeared in the most films?
Roger Moore and Sean Connery both starred in seven Bond films, though Moore's were all official Eon productions from Live and Let Die (1973) to A View to a Kill (1985).
Why do fans dislike George Lazenby?
George Lazenby's single performance in On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969) faced backlash for his inexperience and accent, plus his decision to leave after one film, despite the movie's 82% approval today.
Was Daniel Craig's casting controversial?
Yes, announced October 14, 2005, Craig's blond hair and build prompted a boycott campaign and "James Bland" headlines, but he delivered the franchise's highest earner, Skyfall ($1.1B).
Who is the next James Bond actor?
As of May 2026, no official successor to Daniel Craig has been named, though reports from The Sun in 2024 suggested Aaron Taylor-Johnson was offered the role, fueling speculation amid diversity debates.
Did any Bond actor regret the role?
George Lazenby famously regretted quitting after one film, stating in a 2019 interview, "I'd have been a fool not to do more," while Connery tired of typecasting by 1967.
Which Bond actor has the best films?
Sean Connery's run includes three top-ranked entries (Goldfinger, From Russia with Love, Dr. No) per AFI's 2008 spy list, with 28 Oscar nominations across his films.