The 1983 film Never Say Never Again starring Sean Connery is not officially considered part of the Eon Productions James Bond film series due to a long and complex legal battle over the rights to Ian Fleming’s novel, Thunderball. Its roots lie in a separate production company’s ownership of story elements, precluding its inclusion within the main Bond canon produced by Albert R. Broccoli and Harry Saltzman (later Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson).
The Tangled Web of Rights
The story behind Never Say Never Again‘s non-canonical status is a fascinating and complex tale of copyright disputes, broken partnerships, and creative reinvention. Understanding the history behind the film is crucial to understanding its position outside the official Eon Productions Bond franchise.
The Kevin McClory Affair
In the late 1950s, Ian Fleming collaborated with screenwriter Jack Whittingham and producer Kevin McClory on a Bond screenplay initially titled James Bond of the Secret Service. This project never materialized into a film, but Fleming later used elements of it in his novel Thunderball. McClory and Whittingham sued Fleming for copyright infringement, and the subsequent settlement in 1963 granted McClory certain screen rights to the Thunderball story, including the characters and plot elements he had contributed to the original screenplay. This is the crux of why Never Say Never Again exists outside the Eon Productions umbrella. McClory retained these rights, even after Eon Productions produced their own adaptation of Thunderball in 1965.
A Remake Arises: The Battle of the Bonds
In the late 1970s, McClory decided to exercise his rights and produce a new Bond film based on Thunderball. This project gained momentum when Sean Connery, who had famously sworn off playing Bond after Diamonds Are Forever (1971), agreed to return to the role. The film, eventually titled Never Say Never Again, was released in 1983, the same year as Eon Productions’ Octopussy starring Roger Moore. This resulted in a unique situation: two James Bond films were released in the same year, both starring different actors and produced by competing entities. The existence of Never Say Never Again as a rival production, due to McClory’s rights, cemented its status as a non-Eon film. While successful at the box office, its separation from the official series was unavoidable due to the copyright constraints.
Legacy and Legal Repercussions
The release of Never Say Never Again ignited further legal battles, with Eon Productions attempting to assert their claim over the Bond character and trademarks. Despite these challenges, McClory continued to exploit his rights, even attempting to develop other Bond projects in the 1990s. However, these projects never came to fruition, and after his death in 2006, Eon Productions eventually acquired the full rights to the Thunderball storyline in 2013, effectively ending the legal saga and ensuring that only Eon-produced films are considered part of the official James Bond canon.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
This section delves deeper into the nuances surrounding Never Say Never Again and its peculiar place in Bond history.
1. Is Never Say Never Again a “real” James Bond film?
Yes and no. It is a James Bond film in the sense that it stars Sean Connery as James Bond and is based on an Ian Fleming novel (albeit adapted from a screenplay with contributions from others). However, it is not part of the official Eon Productions James Bond film series. Therefore, it’s considered an “unofficial” or “independent” Bond film.
2. Why did Sean Connery return to the role after vowing never to play Bond again?
Several factors contributed to Connery’s return. He reportedly disliked the direction the Eon Productions Bond films were taking, feeling they were becoming too reliant on gadgets and spectacle. The opportunity to work on a Bond film with a different creative team, with more control over the production and a more mature take on the character, appealed to him. The financial incentive was also undoubtedly a significant factor.
3. How does Never Say Never Again differ from Eon Productions’ Thunderball?
While both films are based on the same source material, they have significant differences. Never Say Never Again features a more mature and somewhat world-weary Bond, while Thunderball presented a more classic Bond figure. Additionally, Never Say Never Again has a different visual style, a different score, and a few altered plot elements and characterizations. For example, the villain, Largo, has a different name and motivation. Crucially, Never Say Never Again’s pacing and tone differ noticeably from typical Eon Bond films.
4. Who owns the rights to James Bond now?
The core rights to the James Bond character and the majority of the Ian Fleming novels are held by Eon Productions, now owned by Amazon MGM Studios. Following McClory’s death and subsequent agreements, they also possess the full rights to the Thunderball storyline.
5. Is Never Say Never Again considered canon by Bond fans?
This is a matter of personal opinion and debate. Some fans consider it a legitimate part of the Bond universe, appreciating Connery’s return and the film’s different take on the character. Others dismiss it as a non-canonical anomaly, preferring to stick to the Eon Productions films. There is no definitive answer, and opinions vary widely within the Bond fan community. Most recognize its official non-canonical status.
6. Did Never Say Never Again affect the Eon Productions Bond series?
Yes, indirectly. The existence of a competing Bond film likely put pressure on Eon Productions to up their game and ensure their films remained the definitive cinematic representation of James Bond. The film also highlighted the complex legal landscape surrounding the Bond franchise, prompting Eon Productions to secure the long-term future of the series.
7. Why is the title Never Say Never Again so unusual for a Bond film?
The title is a direct reference to Sean Connery’s previous vow never to play James Bond again. It was a clever marketing ploy that capitalized on Connery’s return and acknowledged the unusual circumstances surrounding the film’s production. It directly acknowledged the circumstances of Connery’s return.
8. What is the significance of Kevin McClory in James Bond history?
Kevin McClory played a pivotal role in the development of the Thunderball storyline and, subsequently, Never Say Never Again. His legal victory against Ian Fleming granted him rights that shaped the Bond franchise’s history and allowed for the creation of an “unofficial” Bond film. While controversial, his influence on the Bond universe is undeniable. His contribution highlights the complexities of intellectual property rights in filmmaking.
9. Could Never Say Never Again ever be officially incorporated into the Bond canon?
Highly unlikely. Given its production history and the fact that Eon Productions now owns all the relevant rights, it’s virtually impossible for Never Say Never Again to be retroactively integrated into the official Bond film series. It remains a unique and separate entity. Its status is inextricably linked to its legal and production history.
10. What were the critical and commercial reactions to Never Say Never Again?
Never Say Never Again received mixed reviews, with some critics praising Connery’s performance and the film’s more mature tone, while others criticized its pacing and lack of originality. However, it was a commercial success, proving that there was still a strong audience for a Bond film starring Sean Connery. It performed well against Octopussy, demonstrating its appeal to audiences even against the official franchise.
11. Where can I watch Never Say Never Again?
The availability of Never Say Never Again varies depending on your region and streaming services. It is often available for rent or purchase on digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Physical copies (DVD and Blu-ray) are also readily available. Availability is subject to regional distribution agreements.
12. Are there any other “unofficial” James Bond films?
Yes, there’s a 1967 film called Casino Royale, which predates Never Say Never Again. It was produced by a different studio and featured a satirical take on the James Bond character. Like Never Say Never Again, it is not considered part of the official Eon Productions Bond film series. Both films represent unique and separate interpretations of the Bond character outside the main franchise.