Sean Connery’s official James Bond swan song came with Diamonds Are Forever in 1971, but he famously returned for one final, non-Eon Productions-produced Bond adventure, Never Say Never Again in 1983, marking his last portrayal of the iconic British spy. This film represents a fascinating and often debated chapter in Bond history.
The Return of the King: Unpacking Never Say Never Again
After relinquishing the role following Diamonds Are Forever, many believed Connery’s Bond days were over. He had grown weary of the typecasting and the relentless media attention. However, a unique set of circumstances led to his reappearance as 007 over a decade later, in Never Say Never Again. This film, not produced by Eon Productions (the company behind the official Bond franchise), became a subject of considerable legal wrangling and remains a curious entry in the Bond canon. It presented a noticeably older and perhaps less spry Bond, grappling with the challenges of aging in the world of espionage, adding an interesting, if sometimes unintentionally humorous, dimension to the character.
The Legal Labyrinth: How Never Say Never Again Came to Be
The story behind Never Say Never Again‘s production is almost as intriguing as the film itself. It’s rooted in the original James Bond novel, Thunderball. Screenwriter Kevin McClory had collaborated with Ian Fleming on a film treatment of Thunderball years before the novel’s publication. A legal battle ensued, and McClory retained certain rights to the Thunderball storyline and characters. Decades later, McClory leveraged these rights to produce Never Say Never Again, essentially a remake of Thunderball, with Connery lured back by a substantial paycheck and the promise of creative control.
This created an unprecedented situation: a James Bond film produced outside of the established Eon Productions, and starring the original Bond himself. The result was a film that both capitalized on the Bond formula and subtly subverted it, often leaning into self-aware humor.
A Bond for a New Era: 1983 and Beyond
Never Say Never Again offered a distinctly 1980s take on the Bond formula. The film featured a more physically fallible Bond, one who requires a training regimen to get back into shape. This vulnerability, combined with Connery’s older age, presented a different kind of Bond, one more reflective of the realities of aging and mortality.
While some critics praised the film’s self-awareness and Connery’s performance, others found it lacking the polish and spectacle of the Eon Productions Bond films. Regardless, Never Say Never Again remains a significant part of Bond history, demonstrating the enduring appeal of the character and the legal complexities surrounding the franchise.
FAQs: Diving Deeper into Connery’s Last Bond
Here’s a comprehensive look at some frequently asked questions about Sean Connery’s final portrayal of James Bond in Never Say Never Again.
FAQ 1: Why did Sean Connery return as James Bond after Diamonds Are Forever?
Connery returned primarily for two reasons: a substantial financial offer and the opportunity for creative control. He had grown disillusioned with the portrayal of Bond in the Eon Productions films and saw Never Say Never Again as a chance to offer a different, perhaps more mature, take on the character.
FAQ 2: Is Never Say Never Again considered a “canonical” James Bond film?
No. Because it was not produced by Eon Productions, the company behind the official James Bond franchise, Never Say Never Again is generally not considered part of the official Bond canon. However, it’s recognized as a legitimate and distinct Bond film featuring Sean Connery.
FAQ 3: What are the key differences between Never Say Never Again and Thunderball?
While Never Say Never Again is essentially a remake of Thunderball, there are several differences. Never Say Never Again features a more modern (1980s) setting, a more self-aware tone, and a Bond who is explicitly older and less invincible. The character of Blofeld is also portrayed differently, as McClory held specific rights regarding that character separate from Eon Productions.
FAQ 4: How did Never Say Never Again perform at the box office compared to other Bond films?
Never Say Never Again was a commercial success, grossing over $160 million worldwide. It even competed with the official Eon Bond film of the year, Octopussy starring Roger Moore, proving there was still considerable demand for Connery’s portrayal of 007.
FAQ 5: What were some of the challenges during the production of Never Say Never Again?
The production was plagued by various challenges, including legal disputes, budgetary constraints, and conflicts between Connery and the director, Irvin Kershner. This contributed to a somewhat chaotic and unpredictable filming process.
FAQ 6: Who played the Bond girl in Never Say Never Again?
Kim Basinger played Domino Petachi, the Bond girl in Never Say Never Again. Her performance was generally well-received, and she added a significant presence to the film.
FAQ 7: Did Sean Connery enjoy making Never Say Never Again?
While the financial rewards were substantial, reports suggest that Connery had a mixed experience during the production. The constant conflicts and challenges took their toll, although he seemed pleased to have had the opportunity to revisit the character on his own terms.
FAQ 8: Was there any legal action from Eon Productions regarding Never Say Never Again?
Yes. Eon Productions did attempt to block the release of Never Say Never Again, arguing that it infringed on their copyright. However, they were ultimately unsuccessful due to McClory’s established rights to the Thunderball storyline.
FAQ 9: How does Never Say Never Again fit into Sean Connery’s overall filmography?
Never Say Never Again is considered a unique and somewhat atypical entry in Connery’s filmography. It represents a nostalgic return to a role that defined his early career, albeit under significantly different circumstances.
FAQ 10: Could there ever be another “unofficial” Bond film featuring a former 007 actor?
While theoretically possible, it’s highly unlikely. The legal landscape surrounding the James Bond franchise is now far more tightly controlled, making it extremely difficult for anyone outside of Eon Productions to produce a competing Bond film.
FAQ 11: What is the significance of the title Never Say Never Again?
The title is a direct reference to Connery’s previous statements that he would never play James Bond again. It’s a tongue-in-cheek acknowledgment of his change of heart and the circumstances that led to his return.
FAQ 12: Where can I watch Never Say Never Again today?
Never Say Never Again is often available for rental or purchase on digital platforms like Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, and Google Play. Check your local streaming services as availability can vary. It is often included in “unofficial” Bond collections.
In conclusion, Never Say Never Again remains a fascinating outlier in the James Bond series. It is a testament to Sean Connery’s enduring legacy as 007 and a complex reminder of the legal battles that shaped the franchise’s history. While not part of the “official” canon, it is an undeniably significant chapter in the ongoing saga of James Bond.