Never Say Never Again, starring Sean Connery’s return to the role of James Bond after a 12-year hiatus, is often considered the black sheep of the Bond family not because of its content, but because of its complex and contentious legal history stemming from the original Thunderball storyline. The reason it isn’t considered part of the official Eon Productions Bond canon boils down to copyright ownership and a protracted battle that spanned decades, ultimately leading to its independent production outside the control of the Broccoli family.
The Thorny History of Thunderball
The story begins with Ian Fleming, the creator of James Bond, who initially developed the story for Thunderball in collaboration with Kevin McClory, Jack Whittingham, and Ivar Bryce. This collaboration was intended for a potential James Bond film, years before Eon Productions even existed. However, disagreements arose, and Fleming repurposed the story, publishing it as the novel Thunderball in 1961.
The McClory Lawsuit and Settlement
McClory and Whittingham sued Fleming for copyright infringement, claiming they were owed credit and compensation for their contributions to the Thunderball story. In 1963, a settlement was reached that granted McClory certain screen rights to the Thunderball storyline, characters, and concepts, independent of Fleming’s literary copyright. This meant McClory possessed the legal right to produce a film based on Thunderball, but only with the specific elements he had co-created.
Eon’s Acquisition and the “Gentleman’s Agreement”
Cubby Broccoli and Harry Saltzman, founders of Eon Productions, understood the potential issues this agreement could cause. They entered into a separate agreement with McClory, allowing Eon to produce the official Thunderball film in 1965. In exchange, McClory agreed to refrain from producing his own version for a period of ten years – a so-called “gentleman’s agreement.” This agreement ensured Eon’s continued monopoly over the Bond film franchise for a time.
Never Say Never Again: McClory’s Independent Bond
The ten-year moratorium eventually expired, and McClory, determined to exercise his rights, began developing his own Thunderball adaptation. He partnered with Jack Schwartzman, and after years of development hell, Never Say Never Again was released in 1983, going head-to-head with Eon’s Octopussy, released the same year.
Competing Bonds: Connery vs. Moore
The release of Never Say Never Again created a fascinating, if awkward, situation. Audiences were presented with two James Bond films in the same year, one featuring the original Bond, Sean Connery, and the other featuring Roger Moore, who had become synonymous with the role. This competition highlighted the legal complexities and the challenges of maintaining brand consistency.
Why Not a “Real” Bond? The Eon Canon
The crux of the matter is that Never Say Never Again was not produced by Eon Productions. It was an independent production utilizing the Thunderball material McClory legally owned. This means that even though it features James Bond, SPECTRE, and familiar characters, it falls outside the Eon Productions canon, the recognized and officially sanctioned series of Bond films.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Never Say Never Again
1. Is Never Say Never Again based on the same story as Thunderball?
Yes, it is. Both films are based on the same underlying Thunderball storyline, characters, and concepts that Kevin McClory held the screen rights to. Never Say Never Again is essentially a remake of Thunderball.
2. Why did Sean Connery return to play Bond in Never Say Never Again?
Connery’s return was partly motivated by a significant pay cheque and partly by a desire to prove he could still embody the role after a considerable absence. There was also likely a sense of professional rivalry, given his departure from Eon Productions many years prior.
3. How does Never Say Never Again differ from Eon’s Thunderball?
While the core plot is the same (SPECTRE stealing nuclear weapons and holding the world hostage), Never Say Never Again has a different tone and style. It often feels more grounded and less reliant on gadgets than the Roger Moore era Bond films. There are also changes to character names and some plot details to avoid potential copyright issues with elements Eon controlled.
4. Who owns the rights to Thunderball now?
MGM (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer), which now owns Eon Productions, acquired the remaining rights to the Thunderball storyline from the McClory estate in the late 1990s. This acquisition effectively consolidated the James Bond film franchise under one banner, eliminating the potential for future independent Bond productions based on the Thunderball material.
5. Does Never Say Never Again impact the official Bond timeline?
No, it doesn’t. Because it’s not part of the Eon Productions canon, Never Say Never Again is considered a separate entity and has no bearing on the official James Bond timeline or continuity established by the Eon films.
6. Was Never Say Never Again a financial success?
Yes, it was. Despite competing with Octopussy, Never Say Never Again performed well at the box office, demonstrating a strong audience interest in seeing Connery reprise the role, even in an unofficial capacity.
7. Why is the title Never Say Never Again so unusual for a Bond film?
The title is a direct reference to Connery’s previous statement that he would “never” play James Bond again after leaving the role in 1971. It’s a cheeky, self-aware title that acknowledged Connery’s return and the unusual circumstances surrounding the film’s production.
8. Are the gadgets in Never Say Never Again as elaborate as in other Bond films?
Generally, no. While there are gadgets, they are less fantastical and more realistic than those typically seen in the Roger Moore era. The film focuses more on espionage and hand-to-hand combat.
9. Are any actors besides Sean Connery in both Never Say Never Again and official Bond films?
Several actors appear in both Never Say Never Again and other Eon-produced Bond films, albeit in different roles. This is fairly common throughout the series’ history.
10. Can I find Never Say Never Again on streaming services alongside the official Bond films?
The availability of Never Say Never Again on streaming platforms can vary depending on licensing agreements. It is sometimes available separately from the official Eon Productions Bond collection. It’s important to check individual platforms for current availability.
11. What is the lasting legacy of Never Say Never Again?
Its legacy lies primarily in its legal battle, the return of Sean Connery, and the reminder of the complexities surrounding copyright and ownership in the entertainment industry. It also serves as a “what if” scenario, showcasing a different take on the Thunderball story and a different era of James Bond.
12. Will Never Say Never Again ever be officially recognized as a Bond film by Eon Productions?
It is highly unlikely. Given the history, the legal battles, and the consolidation of rights under Eon and MGM, Never Say Never Again will almost certainly remain outside the official canon. Its independent nature is what defines it, both legally and historically.