Sean Connery’s association with the James Bond franchise is legendary, but Never Say Never Again holds a complicated place in Bond history. No, Never Say Never Again was not Sean Connery’s last James Bond film, but it was his final appearance in the role outside the official Eon Productions series.
The Legacy of 007 and Connery’s Bond
Sean Connery, in many ways, is James Bond. His portrayal defined the character for generations, setting the standard for suave sophistication, lethal charm, and unwavering courage. From Dr. No (1962) to Diamonds Are Forever (1971), Connery embodied Bond’s essence. However, contractual disputes and his desire to pursue other roles led to his departure after Diamonds Are Forever, though he was persuaded to return one more time. This return, however, wasn’t within the established Eon Productions canon.
The Legal Battle and the Birth of Never Say Never Again
The story of Never Say Never Again is intrinsically linked to a legal battle over the film rights to Ian Fleming’s novel Thunderball. Kevin McClory, who had collaborated with Fleming on an early, abandoned screenplay for a Bond film, claimed ownership of the story elements. This resulted in a lawsuit, ultimately settled with McClory retaining the rights to adapt the Thunderball story (and its villains, SPECTRE) but only after a certain number of years had passed since Eon’s 1965 Thunderball. Never Say Never Again, released in 1983, was McClory’s Bond film, produced independently of Eon Productions. This distinction is crucial in understanding its place in Bond history. Although Connery’s performance was lauded, it exists outside the established “canon.”
Connery’s Motivations for Returning
Why did Connery, who had famously expressed reservations about being typecast as Bond, return to the role after a twelve-year hiatus? Several factors likely played a part. Firstly, the opportunity to work independently of Albert R. Broccoli and Harry Saltzman, the producers of the Eon films, was appealing. Secondly, the potential financial rewards were substantial. Thirdly, Connery reportedly felt that the Eon films had become overly reliant on gadgets and spectacle, moving away from the character’s core. Never Say Never Again offered him a chance to revisit the character on his own terms, to deliver a more grounded and mature portrayal of Bond. He also reportedly enjoyed the challenge of competing with the official Eon film Octopussy, released in the same year and starring Roger Moore.
Frequently Asked Questions About Connery’s Final Bond Film
Here are some frequently asked questions (and comprehensive answers) to further clarify Sean Connery’s relationship with Never Say Never Again:
FAQ 1: Is Never Say Never Again considered an official James Bond film?
No. Never Say Never Again is not considered part of the official Eon Productions James Bond film series. It was produced by Kevin McClory’s Taliafilm and distributed by Warner Bros., based on the same Thunderball storyline that Eon adapted in 1965. This film exists outside the established Bond “canon.”
FAQ 2: Why is Never Say Never Again considered “unofficial”?
The “unofficial” status stems from the legal battle between Kevin McClory and Ian Fleming regarding the rights to Thunderball. While McClory won the right to produce a film based on the story, Eon Productions held the rights to the overall James Bond franchise.
FAQ 3: Who owns the rights to James Bond now?
Eon Productions, currently run by Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, continues to own the film rights to James Bond and the majority of Ian Fleming’s literary works related to the character. Amazon (via MGM) owns Eon Productions.
FAQ 4: Did Sean Connery receive less money for Never Say Never Again compared to his other Bond films?
This is difficult to definitively ascertain. While specific financial details are not publicly available, it’s highly likely that Connery negotiated a favorable deal for Never Say Never Again, given his star power and the film’s potential to compete with the official Bond franchise. He probably made substantially more than he did for some of his earlier Eon Bond films.
FAQ 5: Was there any animosity between Sean Connery and Roger Moore due to the release of Never Say Never Again alongside Octopussy?
While there might have been professional rivalry, there’s no evidence of personal animosity between Connery and Moore. They were both professionals and understood the competitive nature of the film industry. Moore himself has spoken positively of Connery.
FAQ 6: What were some of the key differences between Never Say Never Again and the Eon Bond films?
Aside from being produced outside Eon Productions, Never Say Never Again had a different visual style, a slightly different tone (arguably more grounded), and a different approach to the character of Bond. It also featured a different actor (Kim Basinger) as the Bond girl, and different versions of SPECTRE and Blofeld.
FAQ 7: Why is the title Never Say Never Again significant?
The title is a playful reference to Connery’s previous statements that he would “never” play Bond again. It highlights the unexpected nature of his return and adds a layer of meta-commentary to the film.
FAQ 8: How did audiences and critics react to Never Say Never Again upon its release?
Never Say Never Again was generally well-received by audiences and critics. Connery’s performance was praised, and the film was a box office success. However, some critics noted that it lacked the polish and pacing of the Eon films.
FAQ 9: Did Never Say Never Again influence the direction of the official Bond films that followed?
It’s debatable. Some argue that Never Say Never Again‘s more grounded approach may have subtly influenced later Bond films to move away from overly campy elements. However, this influence is difficult to quantify directly.
FAQ 10: Is Never Say Never Again available on Blu-ray or DVD?
Yes, Never Say Never Again has been released on various home video formats, including Blu-ray and DVD, and is available for streaming on some platforms. However, due to rights issues, it’s not always included in complete James Bond box sets.
FAQ 11: What is the likelihood of a remake or reboot of Never Say Never Again in the future?
Given the current ownership and control of the James Bond franchise by Eon Productions, it is highly unlikely that they would directly remake or reboot Never Say Never Again. However, elements of the Thunderball storyline could potentially be incorporated into future Bond films.
FAQ 12: If Never Say Never Again isn’t canon, should I still watch it?
Absolutely! Never Say Never Again is a worthwhile watch for any Bond fan. It offers a unique perspective on the character, showcases Connery’s enduring talent, and provides an interesting historical context to the franchise’s legal battles and creative evolution. Viewing it as an alternative take on the Thunderball story rather than a canonical entry allows for a more enjoyable appreciation.
The Enduring Appeal of Sean Connery as James Bond
Despite its “unofficial” status, Never Say Never Again remains a significant part of Sean Connery’s legacy and the James Bond franchise as a whole. It served as a reminder of his captivating presence and cemented his place as the quintessential 007. While he did not play James Bond in Eon Productions again, his last performance in the iconic role remains a captivating piece of cinematic history. His influence on the character is undeniable, ensuring his place in film history long into the future.