Sean Connery is perhaps the most iconic version of James Bond to have ever hit the silver screen.
He kickstarted the 007 film series in 1962 with Dr No, and remained in the role for another four films across five years.
Unfortunately, once he decided to step down, things got extremely complicated behind the scenes. He was replaced by the young Australian actor George Lazenby who starred in the 1969 picture On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.
Once the film was out, however, Lazenby didn’t want to return to continue his 007 tenure. So Connery was forced to step in to play Bond once again in the 1971 movie Diamonds Are Forever.
He was then replaced for the second time – but he wasn’t happy with who the Bond bosses picked.
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Roger Moore took over from Connery in 1973. The star is still the most prolific 007 actor of all time with seven Bond movies under his belt.
Moore’s final film, A View to a Kill, was released on this day, May 22, in 1985. But it has since been heavily criticised by his predecessor.
The British star was 57-years-old at the time, and as a result, Connery told press: “Bond should be played by an actor – 35, 33 years old. I’m too old. Roger’s too old, too!” (Via IMDB)
Years later, in December 2007, Moore also confessed he felt he was far too old for the role.
He said: “I was only about 400 years too old for the part.”
The star even doubled down on the DVD commentary for A View to a Kill. In it, he noted how the picture was his “least favourite” Bond movie he had starred in.
Moore said he didn’t enjoy the increased violence that was employed in the movie, and noted – again – that he was getting too old for the part.
The actor didn’t play Bond anymore after that. He was soon after replaced by Timothy Dalton who joined the series in 1987.
Dalton remained in the 007 role for two films, ending his run in 1989.
