Although numerous actors have played 007 over the decades, Sean Connery remains one of the names most closely associated with James Bond. He was the first actor to bring Ian Fleming’s spy to the big screen.
However, the Daily Mail can reveal that Connery was not the producers’ original choice. That distinction belonged to Roger Moore, who would eventually become the third actor to portray the suave secret agent.
Moore ultimately made his Bond debut in the franchise’s eighth movie, the 1973 film Live and Let Die.
Roger’s son, Geoffrey Moore, told the Daily Mail that his father had been considered for the role from the outset. “He was pegged as the first choice. They had him in mind, but he couldn’t get released from his contract with [TV company] ITC.”
“[Bond writer Ian] Fleming was a fan of [Roger’s television series] The Saint, and he definitely had him in mind. He was also friends with Cubby and Harry [Bond producers Albert R. ‘Cubby’ Broccoli and Harry Saltzman]. They used to gamble, go to dinner and spend time together.”
Although Moore missed out on the earlier Bond films, Geoffrey believes the delay ultimately worked in his father’s favor.
Sean Connery remains one of the actors most strongly identified with James Bond, despite not being the producers’ first choice for 007
Roger Moore was reportedly the producers’ preferred choice, but he did not take over as Bond until the eighth film, Live and Let Die
Geoffrey said the timing was crucial to the character’s evolution. “That’s why Bond is such a great franchise: each actor reflects the era in which he plays the part.”
“His time was when it was meant to be, in the early Seventies, when society was becoming a little less chauvinistic.”
“Connery is true to the Fleming novels, but they wrote around Roger because there was no point trying to make him the hard man Sean was.”
“The times had changed, and Roger brought an aloofness and a little more empathy to the character.”
Geoffrey has now had a taste of life as a leading spy himself, taking a starring role in the new espionage film Knightfall.
He plays MI5 agent Hugh, who must join forces with his former girlfriend, Ros, played by Jeanine Nerissa Sothcott, to prevent a bloodbath linked to homeland security.
The film marks Geoffrey’s debut as a leading man. While that might seem intimidating to some actors, he said growing up with his father gave him an early understanding of the profession.
At the same time, watching Roger take on Bond showed him just how much pressure comes with landing such a coveted role.
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Asked about reports that he had once been considered for the part himself, Geoffrey weighed the benefits against the demands. “It’s good money, but it demands years.”
“They’ll sign you to a two- or three-picture deal if they like it, and you’re committed for five or six years. Your career becomes dedicated to that role.”
“It’s an extremely demanding schedule. Once filming is over, you have to promote the movie for another six months, so it can consume a year and a half of your life for each film.”
“So yes, you could get plenty of mileage from the headline ‘Roger Moore’s son is now playing James Bond.’ It would create gossip, generate attention and help spread the word.”
‘Al those things play with the ego. Realistically, I think I would have been able to but I would have had to spend six months really training. It’s a big commitment. Huge.’
Geoffrey has just had a taste of life as 007, having taken on a role in a spy film of his own, Knightfall. He stars as MI5 agent Hugh who must work with his ex-girlfriend to avert disaster
Since Daniel Craig left the role in 2021, there have been numerous names thrown into the ring to replace him, from Callum Turner to Jack Lowden to Jacob Elordi.
While Geoffrey had no preference from the shortlist, saying he trusted producer Barbara Broccoli and Amazon to make the correct call, he did muse: ‘I would go back to the beginning. Bond liked to drink and he was a marksman, you know.’
Indeed Bond has evolved since Roger was in the role, and with the character facing criticism for being sexist and misogynistic, there has even been talk of a woman taking on the role.
Yet Geoffrey has insisted that this isn’t the way to save the role, quipping: ‘Well, if it’s a female Bond, then call her Jemima.’
Arguing that if fans want a female lead then a separate franchise should be created, he said: ‘I mean, it’s “James” Bond. Like there’s a Superman and there’s a Superwoman.’
While he agreed that women can play spy roles well, pointing out Charlize Theron’s ‘a**kicking’ skills in 2017s Atomic Blonde, he continued: ‘I think a female Bond – a 00-whatever should have her own story.’
Stating that women are typically smarter than men, he added: ‘Jemima’s own story [could be] she’s actually smarter and – there’d be a lot more bickering – but less wars and less fighting.
‘I think it could be an elegant one.’
Geoffrey can currently be seen in Knightfall, which is available on UK streaming services now and on blu-ray (Miracle Media) from October 26