“I was also offered pretty good money”: Clint Eastwood Didn’t Regret Losing Millions by Turning Down Desperate James Bond Producers After Sean Connery Left the Role
There have been several legendary actors who have played the title character in the James Bond film franchise. Notably, after Sean Connery left the franchise, the renowned actor Clint Eastwood was considered as a possible James Bond replacement. Eastwood, a highly respected figure in the entertainment world, has made his mark as both an actor and director over many successful decades in the industry. But Eastwood decided to turn down the opportunity, a choice he didn’t regret.
Why did Sean Connery decide to stop playing James Bond?
After seven appearances as James Bond, beginning with Dr. No in 1962, Sean Connery made the decision to leave the legendary position in 1971. Despite his remarkable career, Connery expressed his disinterest in the role of Bond very early on. He acknowledged in a 1965 Playboy interview that he was initially hesitant to accept the position because he was concerned about the contractual commitments it would involve. Connery thought the Bond image was a little hefty, calling it “a bit of a bore.”
Connery’s decision to leave the franchise after 1967’s You Only Live Twice was motivated by a number of factors. In one especially uncomfortable incident, a photographer followed him into the restroom. He also felt underpaid and harassed by the media. Connery had already decided that it was time to say goodbye to Bond, even if he came back for Diamonds Are Forever in 1971. Clint Eastwood was one of the great names that was considered for the part after his departure.
Clint Eastwood declined the James Bond role for a number of reasons
When Sean Connery stepped down from the legendary role of James Bond, the search for the next 007 began. Clint Eastwood was one of the big names that came up. In fact, the legendary actor from Hollywood, known for his parts in movies like Dirty Harry, was given consideration for the role. However, Bond’s slick and sophisticated persona didn’t exactly appeal to Eastwood, who is known for his realistic and gritty characters.
He openly shared his thoughts during an LA Times interview via Collider, saying, “I was also offered pretty good money to do James Bond if I would take on the role.” But Eastwood continued by adding, “That was somebody else’s gig. That’s Sean’s deal. It didn’t feel right for me to be doing it… I always liked characters that were more grounded in reality.”
Additionally, Eastwood’s nationality was an important factor in his decision. Because James Bond is so distinctly British, Eastwood, an American, felt that the portrayal had to honor those traditions. Despite the fact that playing Bond would have earned him millions of dollars, Eastwood did not regret his decision. As a result of Eastwood’s rejection of the offer, Roger Moore was able to accept the part and start his seven-movie career as the slick secret agent.
Source: Collider
