The role of James Bond is legendary, and the actors who’ve portrayed him have each left an indelible mark. The number of films each actor has starred in as 007 varies considerably, ranging from a single appearance to a more extensive run, shaping their individual legacies within the franchise.
Ranking the Bonds: A Filmography Overview
Pinpointing the precise number of James Bond films starring each actor requires careful consideration of official Eon Productions releases. While non-Eon films like Casino Royale (1967) and Never Say Never Again (1983) exist, this analysis focuses solely on the official James Bond canon produced by Eon Productions. Here’s the breakdown:
- Sean Connery: 6 films (Dr. No, From Russia with Love, Goldfinger, Thunderball, You Only Live Twice, Diamonds Are Forever)
- George Lazenby: 1 film (On Her Majesty’s Secret Service)
- Roger Moore: 7 films (Live and Let Die, The Man with the Golden Gun, The Spy Who Loved Me, Moonraker, For Your Eyes Only, Octopussy, A View to a Kill)
- Timothy Dalton: 2 films (The Living Daylights, Licence to Kill)
- Pierce Brosnan: 4 films (GoldenEye, Tomorrow Never Dies, The World Is Not Enough, Die Another Day)
- Daniel Craig: 5 films (Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace, Skyfall, Spectre, No Time to Die)
This order represents the chronological order of the actors’ tenure as James Bond, and the number of official Eon Productions films in which they starred.
Deep Dive: Bond By Bond
Let’s examine each actor’s contribution to the James Bond filmography in more detail.
Sean Connery: Setting the Standard
Sean Connery is often considered the quintessential James Bond. His portrayal established many of the character’s defining traits – his suave demeanor, his ruthless efficiency, and his undeniable charisma. His films are frequently ranked among the best in the series, solidifying his legacy as the first and, for many, the greatest 007. The six films Connery starred in helped to shape the franchise and its global appeal.
George Lazenby: A One-Off Gem
George Lazenby had the unenviable task of following Connery. Although he only starred in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, his performance is now viewed more favorably than it was initially. The film itself is considered a high point by many, featuring a deeper exploration of Bond’s emotional vulnerability and a tragic love story. Lazenby’s single film offers a unique perspective on the character.
Roger Moore: The Quintessential Charmer
Roger Moore holds the record for the most James Bond films, starring in seven. His Bond was known for his lighter, more comedic approach. While some criticized his portrayal for being less serious than Connery’s, Moore’s era brought a consistent stream of box-office hits and solidified Bond’s status as a global phenomenon. Moore’s longevity in the role is a testament to his popularity.
Timothy Dalton: A Return to Grittiness
Timothy Dalton’s tenure as Bond was short but impactful. He aimed to return the character to his literary roots, portraying a more serious and ruthless agent. His two films, The Living Daylights and Licence to Kill, were darker and more grounded than Moore’s era, but they didn’t achieve the same commercial success. Dalton’s Bond is often praised for its fidelity to Ian Fleming’s novels.
Pierce Brosnan: A Modern Renaissance
Pierce Brosnan brought Bond into the modern era with four action-packed films. He combined elements of Connery’s charm with Dalton’s intensity, creating a suave yet dangerous 007 for the 1990s. GoldenEye, his first film, is widely considered a classic and revitalized the franchise after a six-year hiatus. Brosnan’s Bond was a successful blend of classic and contemporary.
Daniel Craig: A Gritty Reimagining
Daniel Craig’s casting was initially controversial, but he quickly silenced critics with his gritty and emotionally complex portrayal of Bond. His five films rebooted the franchise, exploring Bond’s origins and vulnerabilities. Craig’s Bond is known for his intense physicality, his emotional depth, and his willingness to challenge the character’s established tropes. He redefined Bond for the 21st century.
FAQs: Your Burning Bond Questions Answered
Here are some frequently asked questions to further enhance your understanding of James Bond’s filmography.
FAQ 1: Who was offered the role of James Bond before Sean Connery?
Several actors were considered before Sean Connery, including Cary Grant. However, Grant reportedly declined due to his commitment to only one film.
FAQ 2: Why did George Lazenby only do one Bond film?
Reportedly, Lazenby’s agent advised him to turn down a long-term contract, believing the James Bond franchise was on the decline. This proved to be a significant misjudgment.
FAQ 3: Which James Bond actor was the youngest when they took on the role?
George Lazenby was the youngest actor to portray James Bond, being 29 years old when On Her Majesty’s Secret Service was released.
FAQ 4: Did any of the Bond actors direct a film in the series?
No, none of the actors who portrayed James Bond directed a film in the official Eon Productions series.
FAQ 5: Which Bond actor’s films grossed the most at the box office?
Daniel Craig’s films have collectively grossed the most at the box office, due to rising ticket prices and the franchise’s continued popularity.
FAQ 6: How did Sean Connery portray James Bond in “Never Say Never Again”?
“Never Say Never Again” was not an Eon Productions film, but rather a remake of Thunderball produced by an independent company. Connery was able to reprise his role due to legal loopholes. Therefore, this performance does not count towards official Eon Productions film tallies.
FAQ 7: Which Bond actor had the longest gap between his first and last Bond film?
Sean Connery has the longest gap, with a seven-year interval between You Only Live Twice (1967) and Diamonds Are Forever (1971). This excludes “Never Say Never Again”, which is non-canon.
FAQ 8: How many actors auditioned for James Bond before Daniel Craig was cast?
Hundreds of actors reportedly auditioned for the role of James Bond before Daniel Craig was cast. Henry Cavill was a strong contender, but ultimately deemed too young at the time.
FAQ 9: Why did Timothy Dalton only make two films?
Legal battles surrounding the James Bond franchise delayed production of a third Dalton film, and by the time the legal issues were resolved, Dalton had moved on to other projects.
FAQ 10: Which Bond film had the biggest budget adjusted for inflation?
While calculations vary depending on inflation models, Spectre (starring Daniel Craig) typically ranks as one of the most expensive Bond films ever made, even when adjusted for inflation.
FAQ 11: Do the Bond actors have input into the scripts or direction of the films?
The level of input varies, but actors generally have limited direct influence on the scripts or direction. However, they can offer suggestions and collaborate with the filmmakers. Daniel Craig, for example, had more influence in his later films.
FAQ 12: Will the next James Bond actor be drastically different from previous incarnations?
The producers have stated that the next James Bond will be a reinvention of the character, but they have also emphasized the importance of staying true to the core elements that make Bond iconic. Expect a fresh perspective while retaining the essential DNA of 007.