Roger Moore’s Son Reveals His Father Was Nearly James Bond Before Sean Connery

When people think of James Bond, Sean Connery is often the first name that comes to mind. He defined 007’s iconic style in five films starting with ‘Dr. No’ in 1962. However, according to Roger Moore’s son, the casting history is not as straightforward as it is often portrayed.

Moore, who portrayed Bond seven times from 1973 to 1985, has frequently been viewed as the successor to Connery. His son Geoffrey has challenged this narrative, revealing a different story about how the role nearly went to his father before Connery.

In an interview with the Daily Mail, Geoffrey Moore stated that producers initially wanted Roger for the Bond role before Connery donned the tuxedo. However, a contract with the British broadcaster ITC prevented this from happening. He also mentioned that author Ian Fleming admired Moore’s performance in ‘The Saint’ and had personal connections with Bond producers Albert “Cubby” Broccoli and Harry Saltzman, who reportedly socialized together outside of work.

This timeline has faced scrutiny. Some retrospectives on Bond’s casting process indicate that Fleming preferred established stars like Cary Grant and David Niven for the role. Additionally, Moore has previously downplayed his relationship with Fleming, humorously suggesting that the author barely recognized him and sought bigger names.

What is clear is that Moore did not take on the role until 1973’s ‘Live and Let Die,’ which was the eighth film in the franchise and his debut as 007. Directed by Guy Hamilton, the film was introduced to the media by Broccoli and Saltzman at a rooftop event at London’s Dorchester Hotel prior to its release.

Geoffrey’s account implies that his father’s delayed entry into the franchise ultimately benefited him, allowing Moore to create a version of Bond that resonated with a new era. While Connery’s portrayal was closer to Fleming’s darker, more serious source material, the scripts for Moore leaned towards a lighter tone, emphasizing charm and humor.

This shift became a hallmark of Moore’s tenure, contributing to why his seven films are remembered as a unique chapter in the series rather than mere imitations of what preceded them. He held the role longer than any other actor in Bond history up to that point, stepping away after 1985’s ‘A View to a Kill.’

Geoffrey’s remarks come at a time of renewed interest in Bond’s cinematic legacy, especially as fans speculate about the franchise’s future under new management. Regardless of whether Roger Moore was genuinely the first choice for the role in 1962, his son’s perspective adds another intriguing layer to a casting story that continues to spark debate.

Have something to add? Let us know in the comments.