5 Actors: That Refused To Portray James Bond

Richard Todd

Considered to be Ian Fleming’s first choice to play the character of James Bond in Dr. No, this Irish-born Brit was probably tailor-made for the role but refused to take it. Richard Todd had served in the British army during World War II, before establishing himself as an actor. It is believed that the major reason behind him not doing the role is a schedule clash which could not be prevented.

Notable Roles: 

Heathcliff, Wuthering Heights (1953) (TV); Guy Gibson, The Dam Busters (1954); Robin Hood, The Story of Robin Hood And His Merrie Men (1952)

Sir Michael Caine

By the time Caine was approached for the role, James Bond had already become a symbol. Sean Connery had acted in five Bond films and people had already made their affection clear towards the character. However, at that time, Michael Caine had already made a name for himself with a spy character of his own – Harry Palmer. And not wanting to get typecast as a spy actor, he refused the role which was later taken up by George Lazenby.

Notable Roles: 

Harry Tristan Dean, Gambit (1966); Dr Frank Bryant, Educating Rita (1983); Alfred Pennyworth, Christopher Nolan’s Batman series (2006-2012), Dr Wilbur Larch, The Cider House Rules (1999)

Jude Law

With Pierce Brosnan’s decision to quit the franchise after his fourth Bond movie Die Another Day, the job was vacant, with a plethora of actors vying for the role. Of the 16 actors that were considered to succeed Brosnan before hiring Daniel Craig, Jude Law is perhaps the most ideal choice. The British actor has proven his mettle time and again and is perhaps the rightful heir to the franchise looking at where Brosnan had taken it.

Notable Roles: 

Dr John Watson, Guy Ritchie’s Sherlock Holmes (2009, 2011); Errol Flynn, The Aviator (2004), Dickie Greenleaf, The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)

Colin Firth

Also on the list of 16 actors that were considered to replace Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth is an actor par excellence who would have added something new to a 50-year-old character. Growing from strength to strength with every film that he does, he has produced some gems in the recent years. However, when the role of Britain’s secret spy was offered to him, he refused on the grounds of not being interested in it. The versatile actor is known for picking his roles and James Bond would have only a shade to that rainbow.

Notable Roles: 

Johannes Vermeer, Girl With A Pearl Earring (2003); George Falconer, A Single Man (2009); King George VI, The King’s Speech (2010); Bill Hayden, Tinker Taylor Soldier Spy (2011)

Heath Ledger

The late actor, who will always be known for his role as the Joker in Christopher Nolan’s Batman series, would have been a bold decision on the part of the makers of 007. A brilliant actor with a thirst for different roles, had Ledger taken up James Bond, the series might have looked different today. But the Australian, who refused the role for unknown reasons, later on portrayed and immortalised a character such that nothing would even come close.

Notable Roles:

Joker, The Dark Knight (2008); Ennis Del Mar, Brokeback Mountain (2005); Sir William Thatcher, A Knight’s Tale (2001); Skip Engblom, Lords of Dogtown (2005); Jacob Grimm, The Brothers Grimm (2005)

Published in DNA After Hrs (Pune) on November 9, 2012