Sean Connery Wasn't the First Choice for James Bond, Roger Moore's Son Reveals

Sean Connery, widely recognized as the first and perhaps most definitive James Bond, was not the producers' initial pick for the role, according to Geoffrey Moore, son of Roger Moore, who was the third actor to portray 007. Geoffrey Moore told the Daily Mail that his father was the producers' first choice.

Roger Moore ultimately took on the role of James Bond in the 1973 film "Live and Let Die," the eighth installment of the franchise. However, Geoffrey Moore explained that his father was unable to accept the part earlier due to a contractual obligation with the television company ITC. He noted that Bond creator Ian Fleming was a fan of Roger Moore's work on "The Saint" and was friendly with Bond producers Albert R. "Cubby" Broccoli and Harry Saltzman.

Geoffrey Moore suggested that his father's later casting was serendipitous, aligning with a shift in the character's portrayal. He explained that while Connery embodied the hard-boiled nature described in Fleming's novels, the era had evolved. Roger Moore brought a different dynamic to Bond, characterized by aloofness and empathy, which suited the changing times of the early 1970s. "Connery is true to the Fleming novel.... but they wrote around Roger because there was no point trying to make him the hard guy like Sean," Geoffrey stated.

Geoffrey Moore has recently ventured into the spy genre himself, starring as MI5 agent Hugh in the film "Knightfall." He acknowledged that growing up with his father provided him with insights into the world of acting and the pressures of a major role, but also highlighted the significant commitment required for a franchise like James Bond. "It's good money [but] it demands years," he said, explaining that a Bond contract can tie an actor down for five to six years, demanding extensive training and promotional efforts.

With the James Bond role currently vacant since Daniel Craig's departure in 2021, speculation about potential successors continues. While Geoffrey Moore expressed trust in producer Barbara Broccoli and Amazon to make the right choice, he mused about returning to the character's early traits, such as his fondness for drinking and marksmanship.

Addressing the ongoing debate about the future of the franchise, including discussions about a potential female Bond, Geoffrey Moore suggested that while women are capable of playing compelling spy roles, a new character might be more appropriate. He quipped, "Well, if it's a female Bond, then call her Jemima," advocating for a separate franchise with a new female lead rather than altering the established James Bond character. "I mean, it's 'James' Bond. Like there's a Superman and there's a Superwoman," he stated. He added that a female character could have her own unique story, potentially being smarter and leading to different kinds of conflict. "Jemima's own story [could be] she's actually smarter and - there'd be a lot more bickering - but less wars and less fighting."