Although numerous actors have played 007 over the years, Sean Connery remains one of the stars most closely associated with James Bond after becoming the first actor to portray the iconic spy on screen.
However, Our News Outlet can reveal that Connery was not the producers’ original choice. That honour initially went to Roger Moore, who would eventually become the third actor to play Bond.
Moore did not take over the role until the franchise’s eighth film, the 1973 hit Live and Let Die.
Roger’s son, Geoffrey Moore, said that was not how the producers had first envisioned the series. He explained: “He was pegged as the first choice. They had him in mind, but he couldn’t get released from his contract with [TV company] ITC.
“[Bond writer Ian] Fleming was a fan of [Roger’s show] The Saint and definitely had him in mind. He was also friends with Cubby and Harry [Bond producers Albert R. ‘Cubby’ Broccoli and Harry Saltzman]. They used to gamble, go out to dinner and spend time together.”
While Moore missed out on the earlier films, Geoffrey believes it ultimately worked in his father’s favour that he did not become Bond until later in the franchise.
Sean Connery is perhaps the actor most associated with James Bond, despite not being the producers’ first choice for the role
Roger Moore was initially the producers’ preferred Bond, but did not take on the role until the eighth film, Live and Let Die
Geoffrey said: “This is why Bond is such a great franchise: each actor reflects the era in which he plays the character.
“His time was when it was meant to be — the early Seventies, when society was becoming a little less chauvinistic.
“Connery is true to the Fleming novels, but they wrote the role around Roger because there was no point trying to make him the hard man Sean had been.
“The times had changed, and Roger brought aloofness and a little more empathy to the character.”
Geoffrey has recently experienced a taste of life as a leading spy himself after taking a role in the espionage thriller Knightfall.
He plays MI5 agent Hugh, who must work alongside his former girlfriend, Ros, played by Jeanine Nerissa Sothcott, to prevent a bloodbath linked to homeland security.
The film marks Geoffrey’s debut as a leading man. While that might seem daunting, he said growing up with his father had given him an early understanding of the profession.
At the same time, witnessing his father’s career also showed him the immense pressure that comes with securing such a coveted role.
Asked about reports that he had once been considered for Bond, Geoffrey outlined both the advantages and demands of taking on the part: “It’s good money, [but] it demands years.
“They’ll sign you to a two- or three-picture deal if they like it, and you’re committed for five or six years. Your career becomes dedicated to that role.
“It’s an extremely demanding schedule. Once filming is over, you have to promote the movie for the next six months, so it takes up a year and a half of your life for each film.
“So yes, there could be a lot of mileage in ‘Roger Moore’s son is now playing James Bond’. It would create plenty of gossip and help spread the word.”
‘Al those things play with the ego. Realistically, I think I would have been able to but I would have had to spend six months really training. It’s a big commitment. Huge.’
Geoffrey has just had a taste of life as 007, having taken on a role in a spy film of his own, Knightfall. He stars as MI5 agent Hugh who must work with his ex-girlfriend to avert disaster
Since Daniel Craig left the role in 2021, there have been numerous names thrown into the ring to replace him, from Callum Turner to Jack Lowden to Jacob Elordi.
While Geoffrey had no preference from the shortlist, saying he trusted producer Barbara Broccoli and Amazon to make the correct call, he did muse: ‘I would go back to the beginning. Bond liked to drink and he was a marksman, you know.’
Indeed Bond has evolved since Roger was in the role, and with the character facing criticism for being sexist and misogynistic, there has even been talk of a woman taking on the role.
Yet Geoffrey has insisted that this isn’t the way to save the role, quipping: ‘Well, if it’s a female Bond, then call her Jemima.’
Arguing that if fans want a female lead then a separate franchise should be created, he said: ‘I mean, it’s “James” Bond. Like there’s a Superman and there’s a Superwoman.’
While he agreed that women can play spy roles well, pointing out Charlize Theron’s ‘a**kicking’ skills in 2017s Atomic Blonde, he continued: ‘I think a female Bond – a 00-whatever should have her own story.’
Stating that women are typically smarter than men, he added: ‘Jemima’s own story [could be] she’s actually smarter and – there’d be a lot more bickering – but less wars and less fighting.
‘I think it could be an elegant one.’
Geoffrey can currently be seen in Knightfall, which is available on UK streaming services now and on blu-ray (Miracle Media) from October 26
