Never Say Never Again, while undeniably starring Sean Connery as James Bond, occupies a unique and often debated space in the 007 canon. Legally and structurally, it is not an Eon Productions-produced Bond film, and therefore, in the strictest sense, not considered part of the official series.
A Bond by Another Name: Understanding the Controversy
The debate surrounding Never Say Never Again‘s Bond status hinges on its origins and production. Unlike the films produced by Eon Productions, owned by the Broccoli family, Never Say Never Again was produced by Jack Schwartzman’s Taliafilm in association with Kevin McClory. This difference in production company stems from a decades-old legal dispute regarding the original storyline for Thunderball.
Essentially, McClory, Ian Fleming, and Jack Whittingham collaborated on a script originally intended for a film, which ultimately evolved into Fleming’s Thunderball novel. McClory claimed ownership of the story elements and characters he helped create, and after a legal battle, he secured the film rights to the Thunderball storyline, but was prohibited from using SPECTRE and Blofeld until the end of the 1970s. This allowed him to ultimately produce Never Say Never Again, a remake of Thunderball, featuring Sean Connery, who had famously retired from the role after Diamonds Are Forever.
The film’s production was fraught with issues, including disagreements between Connery and Schwartzman, behind-the-scenes drama, and budgetary constraints. Despite these challenges, Never Say Never Again was a commercial success, proving that audiences were eager to see Connery return as Bond, regardless of the film’s place in the official series.
The Non-Eon Factor: Why It Matters
The primary reason Never Say Never Again is often excluded from official Bond film lists is its lack of Eon Productions involvement. Eon has carefully cultivated the Bond brand over decades, establishing a consistent visual style, musical score, and overall tone. Never Say Never Again, while sharing many similarities with Eon’s films, also has noticeable differences in these areas. The cinematography, editing, and music, although competent, lack the polished feel characteristic of Eon productions. The absence of the iconic “James Bond Theme” by Monty Norman in its original form is another significant difference, although Michel Legrand’s score does contain elements reminiscent of it.
Furthermore, the legal complexities surrounding the film’s rights continue to complicate its inclusion in the official series. The Broccoli family has fiercely protected their ownership of the Bond franchise, and accepting Never Say Never Again as an official entry would potentially create a slippery slope for future claims and challenges.
The Impact and Legacy
Despite its unofficial status, Never Say Never Again has undeniably left its mark on the Bond franchise. It demonstrated the enduring appeal of the character and Connery’s portrayal, proving that even a non-Eon Bond film could achieve commercial success. Some even argue that its grittier, more realistic tone influenced later Bond films, particularly those starring Daniel Craig.
Ultimately, Never Say Never Again serves as a fascinating case study in intellectual property rights and the power of brand recognition. While it may not be an official Bond film in the strictest sense, it remains a popular and memorable entry in the broader 007 universe.
FAQs: Unveiling the Intricacies of Never Say Never Again
H3 What is the origin of the title Never Say Never Again?
The title Never Say Never Again is rumored to be a playful jab at Sean Connery’s previous declaration that he would “never” play James Bond again after Diamonds Are Forever. The title was chosen by Connery’s wife, Micheline Roquebrune.
H3 How does Never Say Never Again differ from Thunderball?
While Never Say Never Again is a remake of Thunderball, there are notable differences. The characters are renamed (Blofeld becomes Largo), and the plot is updated to reflect the Cold War era. The pacing is different, and some scenes are altered or added. The overall tone is considered by some to be more realistic and less reliant on gadgets than Eon’s Thunderball.
H3 Who owned the rights to Never Say Never Again?
The rights to Never Say Never Again were owned by Jack Schwartzman’s Taliafilm in association with Kevin McClory. McClory retained the film rights to the Thunderball story, independent of Eon Productions.
H3 Why didn’t Eon Productions produce Never Say Never Again?
Eon Productions, specifically Albert R. Broccoli and Harry Saltzman, were unable to produce Never Say Never Again due to the legal dispute with Kevin McClory over the Thunderball storyline. McClory held the independent film rights to the story.
H3 What impact did Never Say Never Again have on the Bond franchise?
Never Say Never Again demonstrated the enduring appeal of James Bond and Sean Connery’s portrayal. It also showcased that a non-Eon Bond film could be commercially successful. Some argue that it influenced the grittier tone of later Bond films.
H3 Is Kim Basinger really in Never Say Never Again?
No, Kim Basinger is not in Never Say Never Again. The main Bond girl is Domino Petachi, played by Kim Basinger.
H3 Did Sean Connery enjoy filming Never Say Never Again?
Reports suggest that Sean Connery had a difficult time during the production of Never Say Never Again. He reportedly clashed with producer Jack Schwartzman and faced various challenges, including injuries on set. However, he was also motivated by the opportunity to prove his enduring appeal as James Bond.
H3 Does Never Say Never Again use the traditional Bond music?
While Michel Legrand composed the score for Never Say Never Again, the iconic “James Bond Theme” by Monty Norman is not used in its original form. Legrand’s score does contain elements that are reminiscent of the theme.
H3 Is there a connection between Never Say Never Again and the James Bond novels?
Never Say Never Again is directly based on the original Thunderball storyline, which was initially intended for a film and subsequently novelized by Ian Fleming.
H3 Can I stream Never Say Never Again?
The availability of Never Say Never Again for streaming varies depending on the region and platform. Check your local streaming services for availability. Due to complex legal reasons, it sometimes disappears and reappears from various streaming platforms.
H3 Is Never Say Never Again considered canon in the James Bond universe?
Never Say Never Again is generally not considered canon by fans and critics alike, due to its non-Eon Productions status and its origins in a legal dispute. The 25 films produced by Eon Productions are considered the official Bond canon.
H3 Who was the director of Never Say Never Again?
Irvin Kershner directed Never Say Never Again. He is also known for directing The Empire Strikes Back. This gave the film a slightly different feel, diverging further from the traditional Eon Bond style.