These 15 Actors Almost Played James Bond

The James Bond franchise has thrilled audiences for over six decades with its suave spy, 007. While only a handful of actors have officially portrayed the iconic character, many others came close but missed out for various reasons.

From Hollywood legends to rising stars, the casting process for Bond has always been intense, with producers seeking the perfect blend of charm, grit, and sophistication. Here’s a look at 15 actors who nearly landed the role of James Bond but didn’t make the final cut.

Cary Grant

Cary Grant was a top choice for producer Albert Broccoli when casting ‘Dr. No’. His suave charm and Hitchcock thriller experience made him a strong contender. Grant was a fan of Ian Fleming’s novels and had a personal connection, having been Broccoli’s best man at his wedding. His star power could have reshaped the franchise’s early years.

However, Grant turned down the role, feeling he was too old at 58 to play Bond. He also refused to commit to multiple films, which was a dealbreaker for producers. Instead, he continued starring in classics like ‘Charade’, leaving Sean Connery to define 007 for a generation.

James Mason

James Mason, known for ‘North by Northwest’, was another early contender for ‘Dr. No’. His refined demeanor and acting pedigree, including three Oscar nominations, made him a serious candidate. Producers saw him as a polished fit for Fleming’s sophisticated spy.

Mason declined the role, unwilling to sign on for a multi-film contract. He chose to focus on projects like ‘Lolita’, avoiding the long-term commitment Bond required. His decision opened the door for Connery’s iconic portrayal.

Richard Burton

Ian Fleming himself believed Richard Burton was ideal for James Bond. The Welsh actor’s intensity and commanding presence, seen in films like ‘Cleopatra’, aligned with Fleming’s vision. Burton’s name surfaced during early attempts to bring Bond to the screen in the late 1950s.

Burton passed on the role, reportedly skeptical about the project’s potential and demanding a high fee. His focus remained on dramatic roles, and he never pursued the part, leaving Bond to others.

Adam West

Adam West, famous as TV’s Batman, was offered the Bond role after Connery’s brief exit post-‘You Only Live Twice’. His charisma and humor made him a surprising but intriguing choice. Producers saw potential in his ability to bring a lighter touch to 007.

West declined, believing Bond should be played by a British actor. Ironically, Australian George Lazenby took the role in ‘On Her Majesty’s Secret Service’, while West continued his career as a pop culture icon.

Terence Stamp

Terence Stamp caught producer Harry Saltzman’s eye for ‘On Her Majesty’s Secret Service’. At a dinner, Saltzman praised Stamp’s fitness and quintessentially English look, fresh off his role in ‘Billy Budd’. Stamp’s rising star status made him a bold choice.

Stamp didn’t pursue the role, and details of why remain unclear, though scheduling or disinterest may have played a part. He later starred in films like ‘Superman II’, while Lazenby stepped into Bond’s shoes.

Burt Reynolds

Burt Reynolds was approached for ‘Diamonds Are Forever’ before Connery’s return. Director Guy Hamilton saw potential in Reynolds’ rugged charm, fresh off ‘Deliverance’. His action-hero persona could have brought a new edge to Bond.

Reynolds turned it down, insisting 007 should be British, not American. He later regretted the decision, admitting he could have excelled in the role, but his choice kept Bond’s British identity intact.

Michael Gambon

Michael Gambon, later known for ‘Harry Potter’, was considered for ‘Diamonds Are Forever’. His stage and screen presence made him a contender, despite not being a traditional leading man. Producers tested him, intrigued by his versatility.

Gambon auditioned but felt he lacked the looks for Bond. His self-doubt and the producers’ hesitation led to Connery’s comeback, while Gambon carved out a legendary career elsewhere.

Clint Eastwood

Clint Eastwood, the ‘Dirty Harry’ star, was offered Bond for ‘Diamonds Are Forever’. His gritty action-hero status made him a unique pick for a franchise seeking a fresh face. Producers believed he could bring a tougher vibe to 007.

Eastwood declined, arguing Bond should be British and preferring roles like his Western heroes. His decision allowed him to focus on directing and starring in films that defined his legacy.

Sam Neill

Sam Neill auditioned for ‘The Living Daylights’ but wasn’t enthusiastic about the role. Known later for ‘Jurassic Park’, Neill’s screen test at Pinewood Studios showed promise. Producers, including Albert Broccoli, reportedly favored him at one point.

Neill admitted he didn’t want the part and only tested due to his agent’s insistence. Timothy Dalton ultimately took the role, while Neill pursued a diverse career in film.

Hugh Jackman

Hugh Jackman was approached for Bond around the time of ‘X-Men 2’. His breakout role as Wolverine showcased his action-hero chops and charisma, making him a strong candidate. Producers saw him as a potential successor to Pierce Brosnan.

Jackman passed, citing the intense Bond schedule and a desire to avoid being typecast. He felt the scripts needed a grittier reinvention, a direction later taken by Daniel Craig.

Liam Neeson

Liam Neeson was heavily courted for Bond in the 1990s, before ‘GoldenEye’. Fresh off ‘Schindler’s List’, his dramatic depth and emerging action-hero status in ‘Darkman’ made him appealing. Producers saw star potential in him.

Neeson declined, partly due to his wife’s reluctance and his preference for varied roles. Pierce Brosnan took the role, while Neeson later became an action icon with ‘Taken’.

Christian Bale

Christian Bale was offered Bond for ‘Casino Royale’ after his intense performance in ‘American Psycho’. Producers saw his physicality and acting range as perfect for a rebooted 007. Bale was considered a top choice post-Brosnan.

Bale turned it down, feeling Bond represented outdated British stereotypes he disliked. His decision led to Daniel Craig’s casting, while Bale went on to star as Batman in Nolan’s trilogy.

Clive Owen

Clive Owen was a bookies’ favorite to replace Pierce Brosnan before ‘Casino Royale’. His role in ‘Croupier’ showcased a cool, calculated edge ideal for Bond. Producers reportedly approached him, intrigued by his charisma.

Owen claimed he was never formally offered the role, though rumors suggest contract disputes over profit shares played a part. Daniel Craig won the part, and Owen continued with films like ‘Children of Men’.

Henry Cavill

Henry Cavill was a finalist for ‘Casino Royale’, favored by director Martin Campbell. At 22, his screen test showed a commanding presence, despite his relative inexperience. Cavill’s later roles in ‘The Man from U.N.C.L.E.’ proved his spy credentials.

Producers felt Cavill was too young compared to Daniel Craig, who got the role. Cavill has since expressed interest in playing Bond, keeping his name in the conversation.

Ralph Fiennes

Ralph Fiennes was considered for Bond during both ‘GoldenEye’ and ‘Casino Royale’. His intense performances in ‘Schindler’s List’ and later ‘The English Patient’ showed he could handle 007’s depth. Producers saw him as a versatile choice.

Fiennes didn’t secure the role, possibly due to timing or competition. He later joined the franchise as M in ‘Skyfall’, proving his fit within the Bond universe.

Who’s your pick for the next James Bond? Share your thoughts in the comments below!