James Bondhas been played by some iconic actors, but there are plenty of other classic performers who could have easily been definitive in the role themselves. The early James Bond films established the tone and style of the series, which continues well into the 21st century. While discussions are still being held at the time of this writing over who will replaceDaniel Craig in the upcoming James Bond 26following his swan song inNo Time to Die, those kinds of debates have been waged for decades.
Even looking back at the era ofSean Connery’s James Bond films, several classically trained actors of the stage and screen would have made fitting additions to the franchise. Many of them were even actively considered or offered the part, but all ultimately turned it down for various reasons. Still, it’s worth looking back at some of the most interesting classic actors who could have brought their own unique intensity and charm to the role of James Bond.
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10Stanley Baker
Baker Would Have Brought His Trademark Intensity To Early Bond Films
Several actors would have made great James Bonds in the early era of the franchise, with figures like Stanley Baker highlighting the versions of Bonds that audiences missed out on. Born in Wales in 1928, Baker became one of the most compelling British actors of the 1950s thanks to his intense performance in films likeHell DiversandYesterday’s Enemy. Films likeThe Guns of Navaroneproved he was a good fit for the kind of action and adventure that are crucial to James Bond films.
Yesterday’s Enemy
Captain Alan Langford
With a notable intense delivery,Baker could have embodied the cold exterior of Bondthat actors like Daniel Craig would later lean into. Audiences almost saw it, too. According to his widow (viaWestern Mail), Baker was offered the role of Bond before Sean Connery but turned it down because he wasn’t interested in a multi-film contract. It’s fascinating to consider what Baker’s Bond would have been like, and how it would have impacted the direction of the series.
9Jeremy Brett
An Iconic Sherlock Holmes Was Almost Bond
Jeremy Brett was another actor who could have played James Bond, and came close to it. Born in 1933, Brett was a stage actor who broke out when he appeared in 1956’s cinematic adaptation ofWar and Peace. His focus on stage work made him a strong dramatic actor, capable of bringing an underlying humanity to characters ranging from d’Artagnan inThe Three Musketeersor Freddy Eysnford-Hill inMy Fair Lady.
War and Peace
Adventures of Sherlock Holmes
Sherlock Holmes
Brett was one of the candidates to replace Connery as Bond inOn Her Majesty’s Secret Service, but the role ultimately went to George Lazenby. Brett would have made an interesting Bond, especially in a more emotionally charged story about a character like On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. Brett still went on to play an iconic British hero though, eventually playing Sherlock Holmes in theAdventures of Sherlock Holmesseries.
8Michael Caine
Harry Palmer Would Have Been A Good James Bond
One of the most prolific actors of the 20th century,Michael Caine would have made a fun choice for James Bond. In his youth, the actor was full of the natural swagger and charm that would make for an ideal version of Bond. His performance in films likeAlfiehighlighted how he could bring a darker layer to that charm, however, suggesting he would have been able to infuse some darkness into the character.
Hannah and Her Sisters
The Dark Knight Trilogy
Alfred Pennyworth
Caine even had the ideal experience of playing Bond, thanks to his time playing another British secret agent, Harry Palmer, in several films. However, as reported by theDaily Mail, Caine simply wasn’t interested in the role, even when he was suggested as a potential replacement for Connery when he departed the character. Audiences have gotten decades of varied Caine performances, but it’ll always be interesting to consider what his Bond could have been like.
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7Michael Gambon
Dummbledore Could Have Been Bond
A winner of multiple Olivier Awards and several BAFTA awards,Michael Gambon would have been a potentially iconic version of James Bondif he’d taken on the role. Making his cinematic debut in 1965’s version ofOthello, Gambon was a skilled actor who easily balanced drama and comedy depending on the role. He could bring gravitas and humanity to his characters simultaneously, a unique talent that made him an especially memorable performer.
Harry Potterseries
Albus Dumbledore
He could also strike a delicate balance between charming and intense, as seen in his later work as Albus Dumbledore in theHarry Potterfilms. Gambon was sought out for the role ofJames Bond after George Lazenby left the franchise, and would have made a compelling choice for the role. However, he remained more focused on his theatrical work, for which he won many awards over the course of his career.
6Julian Glover
An Iconic Villain Could Have Been An Interesting Bond
Julian Glover would have made an interesting James Bond,which could have utilized his villainous charms for a more morally ambiguous James Bond. Born in 1935, Glover got his start in the theatre and British TV of the 1960s and 1970s. Glover’s charms and darker edge were put to good use as a villain in multiple shows and films.
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
Walter Donovan
This includes a memorable appearance as Scaroth in theDoctor Whoserial “City of Death,” the General Veers inThe Empire Strikes Back, and the ruthless Walter Donovan inIndiana Jones and the Last Crusade.His film work even includes a villainous turn in a James Bond film, 1981’sFor Your Eyes Only, which highlighted how easily he fit into the franchise. His experience with franchises would have made Bond a natural fit. His dramatic skills and villainosu turns could potentially set up a charming but dangerous James Bond.
5Trevor Howard
The Third ManCould Have Teased An Interesting Bond
Trevor Howard would have been a perfect James Bond, especially given his work in gritty films likeThe Third Man. Born in 1913, Howard made his big break in 1945 withBrief Encounter. The actor became a consistent box office draw, especially in films likeThe Third ManandGolden Salamander. His experience in thrillers of the era would have likely easily translated over to James Bond, making him a natural fit to try and escape the nefarious plans of villains likeGoldfingerorDr. No.
Golden Salamander
David Redfern
Howard could have brought the right amount of intensity to the role without losing sight of the inherent swagger and charm inherent to the role. His experience across genres suggests that Howard would have been able to adjust to the ever-evolving tone of the James Bond series. Howard could have easily fit into James Bond’s shoes, but never got the chance to.
4Richard Johnson
Richard Johnson Was Almost James Bond Before Sean Connery
Described by critics as a “calm and compelling” figure on stage, Richard Johnson could have been a fitting actor to take on the role of James Bond. Born in 1927 and becoming a consistent member of the Royal Shakespeare Company, Johnson eventually developed a cinematic resume full of urbane and sophisticated characters that feel right at home alongside Bond. His experience playing high society characters would have fit well into the world of luxury and espionage seen in earlyJames Bondmovies.
Aces High
Major Lyle
In fact, during an interview withCinema Retro,Johnson revealed he’d been offered the role of Bond before Sean Connery.Dr. NoDirector Terence Young had initially wanted Johnson for the part, but the actor’s contract with MGM kept him from accepting it. While Connery brought a level of charm to the role that Johnson hadn’t, he would have likely been an ideal figure to bring Bond’s romantic charm and dramatic commitment to the big screen.
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3Patrick McGoohan
The PrisonerCould Have Led To A Fascinating Bond
The Prisonercreator and starPatrick McGoohan would have been a fantastic choice for James Bond, but never played the character. Born in 1928, McGoohan’s break-out role was playing secret agent John Drake in the seriesDanger Man. The performer’s experience playing secret agents would have made him ideal to play James Bond. His time playing Number Six inThe Prisonerproved he would have been an ideal actor to bounce against the more absurd elements of the franchise.
Ice Station Zebra
David Jones
McGoohan could have brought a grounded edgeto the over-the-top battles Bond often finds himself in. He played spies in other films likeIce Station Zebraas well, proving he had the star power to headline a franchise like the James Bond series. Although he was offered the role of James Bond, theNational Catholic Registerreported that he turned down the role due to his deeply devout Catholic beliefs conflicted with the sex and violence inherent to the character.
2Terence Stamp
Terence Stamp’s Bond Could Have Been A Unique Addition To The Canon
A globally-renowned film actor whose film debut inBully Buddearned him an Oscar nomination,Terence Stamp would have been an interesting but compelling choice for James Bond. Perhaps most famous for his villainous roles (like General Zod inSuperman II), Stamp’s ability to shift from sophisticated to charming to intense with reliable ease would have made him ideal for the role of Bond.
The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert
Bernadette Bassenger
James Bond producer Harry Saltzman apparently agreed, with Stamp recalling to theBelfast Telegraphthat he was one of the actors approached to replace Sean Connery. However, after his ideas for the character “put the frighters” on the producer, he was dropped as a choice. It’s a shame because Stamp would have been an interesting choice for the part. He could have brought an edge to the character who increasingly felt like a character in Connery’s later films, and would have been a strong choice for the role.
1Richard Todd
Ian Fleming’s Pick For James Bond Would Have Been A Good One
Born in Dublin in 1919,Richard Todd could have been a great James Bondif he’d been given the chance. A cinematic leading man in the 1950s, Todd’s performances in films likeThe Hasty Heart,Stage Fright, andThe Virgin Queenhelped cement him as a major star in the era of the original James Bond films. Most of his most famous roles came in films based on war stories and military exploits, which could have translated easily to the espionage of James Bond films.
The Story of Robin Hood and His Merrie Men
The Virgin Queen
Sir Walter Raleigh
His skill in thrillers likeChase a Crooked ShadowandIntent to Kill. These films highlightTodd’s strong balance of likable charm and authentic intensity. As noted in his obituary from theLos Angeles Times, that aspect of the performer actually caught the attention of James Bond creator Ian Fleming, who’d chosen Todd as his first choice for the role. While audiences may have been deprived of the iconic Sean Connery performance asJames Bondif that came to pass, it’s still worth considering how Richard Todd’s skills could have created a more accurate recreation of the original character.
Sources:Western Mail,Daily Mail,Cinema Retro,National Catholic Register,Belfast Telegraph,Los Angeles Times
James Bond
The James Bond franchise follows the adventures of British secret agent 007 as he combats global threats. With a license to kill, Bond faces off against various villains and criminal organizations, employing high-tech gadgets, espionage, and charm. The series spans multiple films, featuring exotic locations, thrilling action sequences, and memorable characters. Bond’s mission to protect the world and uphold justice remains central, making the franchise an enduring icon in the spy genre.
