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James Bond isn’t just another name. It’s an entire legacy on its own. Stemmed from Ian Fleming’s novels, the British secret agent quickly became a household name, and eventually, a huge part of the film industry. Seven actors have had their turn of bringing the character to life but it all started with Sean Connery all the way back in 1962.
While Sean Connery’s portrayal of the character still remains an iconic one, Ian Fleming was initially not his biggest fan. In fact, when Sean Connery was finally cast as James Bond, the author was quick to comment that the actor was not the“elegant man”he had quite hoped for. To top it all off, Ian Fleming was actually interested in another actor altogether!
Ian Fleming Had His Doubts about Sean Connery
Starting withDr. No,Sean Conneryplayed James Bond in seven films in the franchise, ending his run withNever Say Never Againin 1983. Clearly, the fans loved him enough to want to keep him around for almost a decade. However, whenIan Flemingmet Connery, he couldn’t see the actor playing Bond. Nicholas Shakespeare’s novel,Ian Fleming: The Complete Man,shines more light on the matter.
“You don’t bring a gun to my workplace”: Sean Connery Sent a Gangster Packing After Being Threatened Point Black With a Gun While Filming
Fleming’s film agent, Robert Fenn, told Shakespeare (viaVariety) that almost 30 actors were considered before signing Connery. This was because no actor was ready to fully commit to the role which would have them do multiple films for the franchise.
“We tried 20 or 30. No major actor would play the part for more than one picture and we couldn’t set up a deal with a distributor without commitment from a main actor.”
When Connery finally became the Chosen One, Fleming was not entirely a fan. Fenn recalled how the author was“shocked”upon meeting the actor as he“couldn’t speak the Queen’s English.”He added,
“Fleming said, ‘He’s not my idea of Bond at all, I just want an elegant man, not this roughneck.’”
James Bond Was Not the Only Iconic British Franchise That Sean Connery Could Have Been a Part of
Then who was Fleming’s ideal 007? Well, it was none other thanCleopatraactorRichard Burton. Unfortunately, the actor did not want to be a part of theJames Bonduniverse.
Sean Connery Just Might be Fans’ All-Time Favorite James Bond
While Fleming was initially unsure about Connery playing Bond, the actor went on to become synonymous with the character. FromPierce BrosnantoDaniel Craig, many actors havecome and gonebut fans have still not forgotten Connery’s iteration of James Bond. And it looks like they won’t be getting over him anytime soon either.
“I was panicking all the time”: Sean Connery’s Bravado Couldn’t Hide His Deepest Fear That Ruined 1 James Bond Scene as Actor Refused to Shoot
Take a look at what fans have to say about theGoldfingeractor:
Sean Connery still remains one of the best James Bond character till this day.
— Where The Money is. (@iamjimi__)June 10, 2025
the only actor that will never be replaced and replicated is sean connery for james bond🔫
— cumi (@yrn_hg)August 21, 2025
Sean Connery forever remains the best James Bond.pic.twitter.com/aNy1ZOFQIc
— Convenience Store News. (@CStoreNews_)August 11, 2025
Sean Connery
James Bond..The one & only..
Don’t try and change my mind.. You’re wrong..pic.twitter.com/uM0gFULOou
— Pissed Off Monkey (@PissedOffMonkey)July 05, 2025
who is the best " James Bond " ?
- Sean Connery2. David Niven3. George Lazenby4. Roger Moore5. Timothy Dalton6. Pierce Brosnan7. Daniel Craigpic.twitter.com/O4CjEm0dEN
— filmic (@thefilmic_)July 02, 2025
The one & only true James Bond, Sean Connery.🤩🎥https://t.co/RgQAj8aOebpic.twitter.com/GU7KgAUAVo
— Christopher Dyer 🐊🐊🐊 (@CD3Gator)July 07, 2025
In fact, in Shakespeare’s book,James BondproducerMichael G. Wilsonpraised Connery for his work and stated that if it wasn’t for him, the franchise might not have been what it is today.
“Sean Connery was the right guy in the movie for the right time. If it hadn’t been Sean, who knows? Would it have captured the attention of the whole world?”
Connery passed away in October 2020, but it goes without saying that his legacy will keep him alive for years to come!
You can rent/buyDr. Noon Prime Video.
Mishkaat Khan
Senior Writer
Articles Published :2258
A connoisseur of all things horror, fantasy, and the occasional chick flick, Mishkaat has been penning pieces for FandomWire since 2022. She started off as an intern and has worked her way up to a Senior Writer with over 2000 articles to her name.Outside of entertainment, she has also written well-researched medical content as a freelance writer and has experience in social media management.When not writing, you can find her relaxing with a romance novel and a tall glass of iced coffee in her hand or watching re-runs of ‘Supernatural’ and ‘The Office.’
