Legendary actor, Sean Connery’s portrayal of James Bond is iconic and timeless. He brought a suave and charismatic charm to the role, creating the quintessential image of the secret agent. Connery’s Bond was both tough and sophisticated, setting the standard for all future actors who would step into the character’s shoes.
Sean Connery was offered the opportunity to don the iconic tuxedo not just once, but twice more during his career. With a story involving negotiations, strategic decisions, and a touch of rivalry, here’s how Sir Sean Connery found himself returning to the role of Bond after departing from the series for the first time.
Sean Connery Reprised His Role For Diamonds Are Forever
When actor George Lazenby decided to depart after On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, leaving a substantial contract on the table, the James Bond series faced a predicament. They were on the verge of recasting the role, with Roger Moore nearly stepping in earlier, but ultimately, Sean Connery was enticed back by an offer that aimed to rectify past grievances.
According to Express, Sean Connery agreed to a paycheck of $1.25 million to reprise his role as Bond in Diamonds Are Forever in 1971. To sweeten the deal, the star of The Hunt for Red October secured a two-film contract with the freedom to select his projects. By comparison, when he departed after You Only Live Twice, Connery’s contract was for “$750,000, with 25% of merchandise profits,” as detailed by the publication.
Sean Connery’s triumphant return in Diamonds Are Forever rekindled the excitement surrounding the original Bond. Remarkably, his record-breaking payday was allocated to establish the Scottish International Education Trust. However, after this film, Connery made a notorious vow to never return as 007, a decision that would later come back to haunt him during his second and ultimate cinematic reprisal of the iconic role that catapulted him to stardom.
Sean Connery Improvised The Most Iconic Bond Line
Sean Connery marked his inaugural appearance as James Bond in Dr. No in 1962. A pivotal moment in the film involved Bond introducing himself to Sylvia Trench, portrayed by Eunice Gayson. Connery delivered the now-iconic character introduction, “Bond, James Bond,” which, as per Express UK, was not the scripted line. Instead, it was an improvisation by Connery that gave birth to the character’s famous catchphrase.
The scripted line read, “I am James Bond,” but Connery found it lacking in impact. He chose to improvise, infusing the line with more charisma and charm. He even added a pause after stating his last name before revealing his full name. This spontaneous change would go down in history, becoming a signature introductory catchphrase for every subsequent Bond film.
Diamonds Are Forever can be rented or purchased on Apple TV.
Source: Express, Express UK
