Adam West was one of the most enigmatic actors in Hollywood who had established himself as a preeminent leading performer in the industry. West has had the golden perks of collaborating with many highly acclaimed filmmakers on their commercially successful projects. His impressive spreads of memorable performances and unique acting chops helped him land several monumental roles in the film industry.
The late legendary star once revealed in his previous interview that he nearly played the role of James Bond in the 1989 action-thriller film Licence to Kill, which he eventually turned down. His Batman: The Movie co-star Burt Ward once claimed that West reportedly turned down the job because he thought from a technical standpoint, adding that he believed the part was supposed to be played by a British actor.
Adam West Turned Down to Depict the Character of James Bond in Licence to Kill Movie
Adam West was one of the true gems of Hollywood whose several films have acquired iconic status in American cinema. His extraordinary depictions, creative acting approach, and ability to demonstrate varied roles put him on top of the echelons of performers in the industry.
After his decades-long career and reign as a top-notch star in showbiz, the actor passed away at age 88 on June 9, 2017. Nevertheless, his rich filmography and celebrated career will forever live in the hearts of millions, for he was a true artist who never shied away from playing challenging roles on the silver screen.
While the actor played many intriguing roles in his career, many might not know that he was once offered to play the famous role of secret agent James Bond in the 1989 action-thriller film Licence to Kill. However, the late American star reportedly rejected the job, claiming he was working on another project at the time. In an interview with Digital Spy, the actor said,
“Yes, I was asked about it. The Broccoli seniors said, ‘This is James Bond!’ And I said, ‘I’m sorry I can’t do it, I’m tied up with something else.’ Also, I thought it should be an Englishman.”
Adam West claimed he dropped the offer because he believed the character of 007 should depicted by a British star. The actor also admitted that he was working on another project when he proposed the role.
Adam West’s Co-star Burt Ward Claims He Rejected The Role Due to a Technical Standpoint
In an interview with Daily Express, Adam West’s Batman (1966) movie co-star Burt Ward revealed why the late actor rejected such a significant opportunity to play the role of a secret agent in the movie Licence to Kill, saying,
“Yes he actually turned the role down, and the reason why [is] he thought from a technical standpoint that it should be a Brit that plays the role,” adding, “I think he would have been great, he would have been fabulous. He would have been closer, in my opinion, to Sean Connery, even than Roger Moore. Sean has even more of that satirical twinkle in the eye.”
Burt Ward claimed that Adam West refused to play the role of James Bond because of a technical standpoint that the British actor should play this character.
Source: Daily Express, Digital Spy
