Sean Connery had a very celebrated career in Hollywood with several prestigious achievements as well as some of the most timeless iconic characters. From his portrayal of the first ever James Bond to movies like The Untouchables, The Hunt for the Red October, or Indiana Jones 3, success was always synonymous with his name. But unfortunately, the same can’t be said for his final movie- The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen.
The 2003 movie often referred to as the LXG centered around a team comprising several iconic characters from English literature. But as promising as it sounds and it should have been, the adaptation of the Alan Moore comic was nothing less than cursed. While there were several issues attached to the production, the one that attracted the most discussion was the feud between Sean Connery and director Stephen Norrington.
Sean Connery and Stephen Norrington couldn’t stand each other
The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen saw our favorite 007 as the famous Allan Quatermain from King Solomon’s Mines. But the late actor had massive differences with the Blade director that led to his last venture turning out to be one of his worst experiences. The movie which was already suffering from huge losses after its sets got wasted in floods saw the director and the lead in one of the most famous feuds.
The 2003 movie saw a huge star cast and many of them have confirmed to have witnessed how the duo couldn’t stand each other due to several differences. Sean Connery also stated in an interview how there were several personal and professional differences between the two. However, according to most of the cast, it was the difference of opinions between a veteran actor and a new-age director.
The Dorian Gray actor Stuart Townsend recalled that Stephen Northington had his way of doing things that didn’t match the views of Connery. Townsend claimed that the filmmaker was “a total rebel” and “a total ‘f–k you, Hollywood’ guy.” The Blade director even stopped production for a day after a prop didn’t look right. Sean Connery was a very disciplined personality and hated delays. During the Venetian Casino premiere of the movie, when the actor was asked about Northington’s absence, he replied- “Have you checked the local asylum?”.
However, co-star Jason Flemyng added that both were right on their grounds and deserved to be heard by each other as well as the studio.
Did the movie lead Sean Connery to quit acting?
Looks like the Murder on the Orient Express was so dissatisfied with the whole movie, that he also associated himself with the whole post-production of the movie. There were several interviews where he openly called out the director in public.
There were also a handful of reports that stated that Sean Connery was forced to leave Hollywood following the pathetic experience in The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. But here also co-star Stuart Townsend had a more positive approach and he stated that it was not the actual case but just a money gig.
“I don’t think that’s true. His passion had definitely left him by that stage. That was a money gig.”
Despite the constant tussle between the director and the lead, the statements concluded that the co-stars were quite happy after working with the Oscar-winning actor. While unfortunately, Sean Connery passed away in 2020, Sam Northington has also been absent from the limelight since this 2003 flick.
The commercial and critical disappointment of the movie also stopped a potential franchise from being made. Even though a sequel was planned, it never saw the light of dawn.
The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen can be rented on Apple TV+.
Source: Independent
