Over the decades, many iconic actors have donned the title of 007 for one of the most popular and long-standing film franchises to date. From Sean Connery all the way to Daniel Craig, many James Bond actors have experienced fame during and long after their respective tenures.
The actors who get chosen aren’t the only ones who are considered , though. Plenty of actors have been considered for the role, though most either get rejected or, like Liam Neeson , decide to turn it down.
In A Recent Interview, Neeson Admitted That He Was Once Up For The Role
The Academy Award nominee was briefly in the running for the role in the 90s.
He Was Originally Interested In The Role
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He recalled having a conversation with Bond producer Barbara Broccoli.
It Seemed She Was Impressed With His Most Recent Film Of The Time
“Schindler’s List had come out and Barbara [Broccoli] had called me a couple of times to ask if I was interested,” Neeson said in an interview with Rolling Stone published earlier this week.
He Was Initially Interested In The Part
At the time, he’d told Broccoli that he was interested in becoming the next Bond.
However, He Later Changed His Tune
Though still interested, Neeson decided not to pursue the role of James Bond.
Why? Because Of His Wife
Natasha Richardson, who would become his wife shortly after, threatened to not marry Neeson if he took the part.
The Late Actress Gave Him An Ultimatum
“‘Liam, I want to tell you something: If you play James Bond, we’re not getting married,'” Neeson recalled Richardson telling him.
Though He Said No, Neeson Would Still Tease Richardson About It
He would “going behind her back, making my fingers as though I’m holding a gun, and [humming the James Bond theme],” according to the interview.
Neeson Believes Richardson Did Not Want Him To Stray
“Come on, there’s all those gorgeous girls in various countries getting into bed and getting out of bed,” Neeson continued. “I’m sure a lot of her decision-making was based on that!”
Liam Neeson Would Eventually Become An Action Star, Though
Though he did not star as Bond, Neeson eventually made a name for himself in the action movie world through his roles in the Taken series.
And He’s Experienced A Prolific Career Since Then
Neeson, now 70, went on to star in films such as Love Actually and The Chronicles of Narnia .
And Richardson Made Nice On Her Promise
The two ended up getting married in 1994 and remained married until Richardson’s death in 2009.
Another Famous Actor Ended Up Getting The Part
After Neeson rejected the role of James Bond, it ended up going to Pierce Brosnan.
Brosnan Went On To Make Four Bond Films
First appearing in 1995’s Goldeneye , Brosnan played Bond in Tomorrow Never Dies , The World is Not Enough , and Die Another Day .
With His Last Film Releasing In 2002, It Became Time For A New Bond
It took a few years, but Daniel Craig eventually stepped into Bond’s shoes with 2006’s Casino Royale . The film acted as a “reboot” for the franchise.
Craig Continued Acting As Bond For A Decade And A Half
He went on to reprise the role in 2008’s Quantum of Solace , 2012’s Skyfall , and 2015’s Spectre.
Craig Finally Ended His Bond Tenure In 2021
2021’s No Time to Die was Craig’s final time appearing as James Bond, leaving the franchise open for yet another reboot with a fresh actor.
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For Now, The Future Of ‘James Bond’ Is Unknown
The search for the next Bond is underway, though no one is sure who will fill the shoes just yet.
But There Are Rumors And Speculations
Several actors have been rumored for the role, most recently including Aaron Taylor-Johnson .
h/t Too Fab