Connery to Craig: Actors who have played James Bond

It might appear to Bollywood fans that sequels or franchises are a recent fad. However, Hollywood has been doing it through James Bond films since more than half a century. The character of James Bond was first penned by the British author Ian Fleming in 1952. It was adapted on celluloid in 1962 by filmmaker, Terence Young in Dr. No. The choice of casting is the most vital aspect in such hero-centric series. So far, seven actors have had the privilege of playing Bond.

Let’s revisit them and the films that they were a part of…

Sean Connery

Veteran actor Sean Connery was the first onscreen James Bond in the first Bond film, Dr. No by Terence Young. The film became a box office hit and it made way for a series of Bond films to follow. While it received mixed critical response, its popularity increased over the years. Following Dr. No, Connery starred in a series of Bond films – From Russia With Love (1963), Goldfinger (1964), Thunderball (1965), You Only Live Twice (1967), Diamonds Are Forever (1971) and Never Say Never Again (1983). The last one was based on the same book as Thunderball. So, it was a rare case of an actor starring in the remake of his own film and playing the lead in both.

David Niven

In 1967, when Connery was going great guns as Bond, David Niven, too, played the character of the famous spy in Casino Royale. But unlike other films of the franchise, this one is said to be a spoof where Bond is shown to be an aged character who has retired from the profession 20 years earlier. Though the film managed to rake in the moolah, it received a negative critical response. This was Niven’s first and the last portrayal of Bond.

George Lazenby

Sean Connery had decided to retire after You Only Live Twice. The makers then cast George Lazenby in the next Bond film, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969). Interestingly, he was cast in spite of the fact that he was quite unknown at that time. This, however, had no effect on the film as it became the highest grossing film of the year in the UK. But this turned out to be Lazenby’s only stint as Bond as the makers managed to convince Connery again for the next Bond flick, Diamonds Are Forever (1971).

Roger Moore

The makers tried convincing Connery to continue playing bond after Diamonds Are Forever, but the actor flatly refused. After a lot of consideration, they roped in Roger Moore for the next Bond flick, Live And Let Die (1973). He became the first actor after Connery to star in seven Bond films. The other six include, The Man With The Golden Gun (1974), The Spy Who Loved Me (1977), Moonraker (1979), For Your Eyes Only (1981), Octopussy (1983) and A View To A Kill (1985).

Timothy Dalton

A View To A Kill became the first Bond film to garner negative response, both in terms of box-office numbers and critical acclaim. So, the makers decided to do away with Moore and hunt for a new actor. This was also because of Moore’s age factor. They zeroed in on Timothy Dalton for the next Bond installment, The Living Daylights (1987). The film was well received and so was Dalton’s portrayal of Bond. He was continued in the next film of the franchise, License To Kill (1989).

Pierce Brosnan

Pierce Brosnan had auditioned for the role of Bond in The Living Daylights but wasn’t considered. But after Timothy Dalton retired, the then 41-year-old Pierce was roped in for the next installment, Goldeneye (1995). Brosnan was given a three film contract with the next two films being Tomorrow Never Dies (1997) and The World Is Not Enough (1999). He was also given the option for the fourth film, Die Another Day (2002), which he accepted. He was willing to do a final Bond film. Unfortunately, it did not materialize and Brosnan announced his retirement from playing Bond.

Daniel Craig

In October 2005, producers Sony Pictures and MGM announced Daniel Craig as the next Bond in the movie Casino Royale (2006). The makers were in for a rude shock as the media and fans vehemently criticized Craig’s choice as the Bond. In fact, several media campaigns went on to make fun of Craig as he was considered completely inappropriate for the role. However, after the release of the film, Craig was praised by the critics and audience alike for bringing the character in Ian Fleming’s book alive. The positive response ensured that Craig went on to star in three more bond films, Quantum Of Solace (2008), Skyfall (2012) and the just released, Spectre (2015). Craig has hinted at retiring as Bond after Spectre, although there are no confirmed reports. But in case he decides to hang his boots as Bond, who could be the next actor to portray the celebrated spy? Do tell us your choice of actor as the next Bond.