Amazon has taken artistic management of the James Bond franchise, wresting management from the Broccoli household, the household that has overseen the 007 motion pictures for many years. There may be some hypothesis as to what this implies for the franchise, as many presume that Amazon, following the present filmmaking traits, will attempt to launch an expansive, multimedia cinematic universe. Some worry the onslaught of tiring over-commercialization that may little question be hooked up to Ian Fleming’s famous spy, however others could also be excited {that a} new James Bond film is coming in any respect.
The final Bond movie, “No Time to Die,” was launched in 2021, and it introduced the five-film Daniel Craig cycle to a definitive finish. This implies the subsequent movie should recast 007 with a brand new actor, and speculating which actor might doubtlessly play James Bond — in any era, actually — is a speculative sport performed by cineastes in all places. It is enjoyable trying over movie historical past and discovering who was formally approached to play Bond, and who misplaced out on the half. Many Bond followers know that, through the making of “Diamonds Are Endlessly,” for example, Adam West was being checked out to play James Bond. Clint Eastwood, Burt Reynolds, John Gavin, and Robert Wagner additionally visited the casting workplace. The thoughts boggles, picturing Reynolds because the suave British James Bond.
One other working example: Do you know that Liam Neeson was as soon as orbiting the position? The tall, robust Irish actor was mates with the Broccoli household, and was made savvy to when a brand new Bond movie was being solid again within the mid-Nineties. Evidently Neeson needed to speak to the Broccolis about taking on the position beginning with “GoldenEye.” Based on a 2023 interview with Rolling Stone, nevertheless, Neeson stopped pursuing 007 when his spouse on the time, Natasha Richardson, expressly forbade him.
Liam Neeson’s spouse stated no to him being James Bond
James Bond followers additionally doubtless know that, means again in 1986, Pierce Brosnan had already agreed to play James Bond for the then-upcoming “The Residing Daylights.” He was gearing as much as announce his new position when he discovered he was contractually obligated to complete his hit TV sequence “Remington Steele” first. Timothy Dalton ended up getting the position as an alternative, and Brosnan needed to bide his time. He was lastly given the prospect to play James Bond in “GoldenEye,” as he had primarily been ready within the wings. He performed the position in 4 motion pictures, and if you would like the proper order to observe the Brosnan Bond movies, we have got you lined.
However the casting administrators nonetheless took a take a look at a number of different actors, together with Liam Neeson. He was by no means below too-serious consideration, however he revealed that the Broccolis not less than requested if he was . As he put it, he was. Neeson knew he was a scorching commodity after the blockbuster “Schindler’s Record.” However evidently Natasha Richardson, on the time nonetheless his fiancée, ordered Neeson to not take the half. She by no means defined why, however as Neeson recalled:
“[M]y beautiful spouse, God relaxation her soul, stated to me whereas we had been taking pictures ‘Nell’ down within the Carolinas, ‘Liam, I wish to inform you one thing: When you play James Bond, we’re not getting married.’ So I might tease her by going behind her again, making my fingers as if I am holding a gun, after which [hums the James Bond theme]. I beloved doing that s***! […] She gave me a James Bond ultimatum. And she or he meant it! Come on, there’s all these attractive ladies in numerous nations moving into mattress and getting off the bed. I am certain numerous her decision-making was based mostly on that!”
Neeson, comfortable to appease his fiancée, ceased pursuing James Bond. He took a job taking part in the title position in Michael Caton-Jones’ historic biography “Rob Roy” as an alternative. He and Richardson married in 1994 and remained blissfully paired till 2009, when she unexpectedly died in a snowboarding accident. Neeson has been single ever since.
