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The character of James Bond has become synonymous with espionage, charm, and action. Over the years, numerous actors have taken on the iconic role, each leaving their own mark on the character's legacy. However, what many people don't know is that there were several actors who came incredibly close to playing James Bond but ultimately missed out. In this article, we will explore the untold stories of these actors and delve into the reasons why they didn't end up donning the famous tuxedo.
Sean Bean: The Man Who Died Twice
One actor who came tantalizingly close to playing James Bond not once, but twice, is Sean Bean. Bean first auditioned for the role prior to "The Living Daylights," but was ultimately overlooked in favor of Timothy Dalton. However, fate seemed to be on Bean's side when Pierce Brosnan was initially chosen for the role but had to drop out due to scheduling conflicts. At this point, Bean was viewed as the top choice to replace Dalton, but MGM, the Bond franchise's US distributor, ultimately overruled in favor of Brosnan. Although Bean missed out on playing Bond, he did get the opportunity to portray a Bond villain, showcasing his acting prowess in the role.
Dick Van Dyke: Chimney Sweeps and Super Spies
In 1967, the producers of the James Bond franchise were on the hunt for a replacement for Sean Connery, who had decided to step away from the role. One surprising contender was none other than Dick Van Dyke. Known for his roles in musicals and comedies, Van Dyke was an unexpected choice for the suave super spy. However, it was ultimately George Lazenby who was chosen to take on the mantle of Bond, with the producers ruling out Van Dyke due to his inability to master a convincing English accent. Lazenby's superior fighting skills also played a role in securing him the role over the competition.
Mel Gibson: From Mad Max to Missed Opportunity
When Roger Moore decided to retire from the role of James Bond, the producers set their sights on Timothy Dalton and Pierce Brosnan as potential replacements. However, one actor who was also in the running was Mel Gibson. With the success of the "Mad Max" trilogy under his belt, Gibson seemed like a strong contender for the role. However, his American nationality and high salary demands worked against him. The producers believed that Bond should be portrayed by a British actor and were not willing to meet Gibson's financial expectations. Ultimately, Dalton secured the role, leaving Gibson to carve out his own successful career in Hollywood.
Cary Grant: The Englishman Who Could Have Been Bond
Before Sean Connery, before Roger Moore, and even before George Lazenby, there was Cary Grant. In the 1960s, Grant was offered the role of James Bond, despite being 58 years old at the time. However, the suave Englishman turned down the offer, feeling that the concept and character of Bond were unproven. Grant's decision to only commit to a single film also played a role in the producers looking elsewhere for their leading man. While Grant's portrayal of Bond may have been unconventional, it's intriguing to imagine how he would have brought his own unique charm to the role.
Henry Cavill: The Man of Steel Almost Becomes Bond
When Daniel Craig's tenure as James Bond was coming to an end, the search for the next 007 began. One actor who came incredibly close to securing the role was Henry Cavill. Known for his portrayal of Superman in the DC Extended Universe, Cavill was considered the ideal candidate in the eyes of director Martin Campbell. However, the producers at Eon Productions felt that Cavill was too young for the role, even in the context of a rebooted timeline. Ultimately, the role went to Craig, and Cavill continued to make a name for himself in the world of action-packed blockbusters.
Richard Burton: The Actor Who Rejected Bond Three Times
Richard Burton, a two-time former husband of Elizabeth Taylor, was a highly sought-after actor in his prime. He was approached for the role of James Bond not once, not twice, but three times. However, Burton rejected the role on all three occasions. In 1959, three years before the release of "Dr. No," Burton passed on the opportunity, deeming the concept and character of Bond as "unproven." The actor's desire for a higher salary also played a role in the negotiations falling through. Even in Sean Connery's absence in 1968, Burton was considered for the role but was ultimately passed over.
Clive Owen: The Frontrunner Who Demanded More
In 2005, as the search for the next Bond was underway, Clive Owen emerged as the frontrunner. Many believed that Owen was the obvious choice to take on the role, given his suave demeanor and acting prowess. However, Owen's demands for gross profit points on the film ultimately sabotaged his chances. He also expressed reservations about taking on the character, feeling that Sean Connery was the definitive James Bond. Despite periodically denying that he was offered the role, Owen has since praised Daniel Craig's performance as 007, showing no bitterness about missing out.
Michael Caine: From Butler to Bond?
Michael Caine, known for his roles in films like "The Dark Knight" trilogy, was a certified beefcake in the 1960s. With his rugged good looks and undeniable charm, Caine seemed like a worthy successor to Sean Connery as James Bond. However, the actor turned down the role, fearing that it would typecast him as a spy after his portrayal of Harry Palmer in the "The Ipcress File" series. Decades later, Ewan McGregor had similar reservations about taking on Bond, citing the role's potential impact on his career and its demanding schedule.
Clint Eastwood: The American Who Passed on Bond
Clint Eastwood, the iconic American actor, is often cited as having passed on the role of James Bond due to his belief that the character should be portrayed by a British actor. While the exact timing of his decision is unclear, Eastwood was clear in his reluctance to step into Sean Connery's shoes and take on the role. He cited his discomfort with replacing Connery, as well as his own instinct to pass up "pretty good money." When George Lazenby left the role after just one film, the producers once again considered American actors but eventually settled on Roger Moore to keep Bond British.
Conclusion
The world of James Bond is filled with mystery, intrigue, and unforgettable characters. While the actors who ultimately played the iconic role have left indelible marks on the franchise, there were many who came incredibly close but missed out. From Sean Bean to Dick Van Dyke, Mel Gibson to Cary Grant, these actors all had their reasons for not taking on the mantle of 007. Whether it was due to nationality, scheduling conflicts, or personal choices, the stories of these actors who almost played James Bond serve as a fascinating glimpse into the casting process and the paths not taken in the world of cinema.