James Bond is the iconic super spy who owns the spotlight with one of the most popular film franchises for the past 50 years. The franchise has seen many actors portraying the classic character of James Bond and while only six actors are most known for playing 007, there are more who have donned this spy suit. The 25th film of the franchise 'No Time To Die' is close to the April-release date and this Daniel Craig starrer movie will pick up the story from where the ‘Spector’ left it. In the anticipation of ‘No Time To Die’ Here take a look at the actors who have played the classic role of James Bond through the years.
Barry Nelson: 1954: Although Sean Connery is the one who gets credited for emanating the role of James Bond the truth is he adapted the role eight years after Barry Nelson, the actor who portrayed the role for the first time on the screen. Nelson took on the role in an anthology episode of the television series Climax! based on the Ian Fleming novel Casino Royale. However, Nelson never got the chance to reprise his role.
Sean Connery: 1962-1967, 1971 and 1983: Sean Connery was the first actor to play 007 on-screen. Initially, he got rejected for the role as he was considered not classy enough to portray the role but in the end, Connery’s charm defeated all the actors standing in the audition line. He will always be remembered for immortalizing the character in Dr. No, From Russia With Love, Goldfinger, Thunderball, You Only Live Twice, Diamonds are Forever and Never Say Never Again.
David Niven : 1967: Although the modern era audience will not be familiar with the name David Niven. David Niven was the actor who played James Bond in the 1967 Casino Royale. The film itself sees James Bond in retirement and is more of a wacky parody than the kind of film modern audiences traditionally associate with the franchise. Despite all the criticism, author Ian Fleming found Niven the perfect actor to play James Bond in the future, but the criticism he received from the audience pulled him down from the role.
George Lazenby- 1969: After Connery left the role in 1967 to make a big make one movie was produced during the interim- On Her Majesty's Secret Service starring George Lazenby. Surprisingly he left the role before the release. even though he would go on to be nominated for a Golden Globe for his performance he was not able to make a comeback that turned out to be the biggest regret for him.
Roger Moore- 1972-1985: 1Roger Moore played the role after Connery finally left the role. He portrayed the role in 7 movies. Live and Let Die, The Man With the Golden Gun, The Spy Who Loved Me, Moonraker, For Your Eyes Only, Octopussy, and A View to Kill.
Timothy Dalton 1986-1994: After Moore eventually got retired as Bond after admitting the fact that he is too old and unfit to play the role of Spy, the role was passed on to Timothy Dalton. Dalton was considered for the role a few years earlier but at that time he was too young to fit in the role. He first appeared as James Bond in 1986’s The Living Daylights. After his performance received mixed reviews and his films struggled to achieve the same box office numbers as Moore's, Dalton left the role only having appeared in two films.
Pierce Brosman 1994-2005: After Connery, Pierce Brosman is considered to be that one actor who has successfully managed to make the role more lively. Brosnan's Bond typified what many associated with the character - his good looks and charm made him a believable international playboy as opposed to a hardened killer like Dalton's portrayal.
Daniel Craig 2005-2021: Finally, one actor who is known by the Genz audience. After Brosnan's departure in 2004, Daniel Craig stepped up to the plate in 2005 and made everyone his fan right with his film as James Bond. Till now he has appeared in four Bond movies- Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace, Skyfall, and Spectre and his latest movie is all geared up to see it’s release on April 2, 2021. This is going to be his last movie as James Bond which means with the next installment of the movie we will get a chance to see the new actor playing the role of the most iconic spy James Bond.
