Pierce Brosnan Was Almost Cast as 007 for The Living Daylights

Pierce Brosnan Was Almost Cast as Bond for The Living Daylights

Timothy Dalton became the fourth James Bond after Roger Moore finally hung up his tuxedo, but according to former casting director Debbie Williams, Pierce Brosnan was the preferred choice.

But for scheduling difficulties, Pierce Brosnan missed out for the role as 007 in 1987 film The Living Daylights, and instead had to wait another 8 years to don the tuxedo.

How Pierce Brosnan Almost Became Bond in 1987

Timothy Dalton had been considered for the role of Bond from On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, but missed out to George Lazenby after being considered too young. He was then considered for the 1981 film For Your Eyes Only, after his wife, Cassandra Harris, introduced him to producer Albert J. Broccoli, but the producer decided to stay with Roger Moore.

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Dalton finally took on the role of Bond, and starred in two Bond films, The Living Daylights and Licence to Kill. Both films were a Box Office success, but they received mixed critical reviews.

Pierce Brosnan as james Bond

Dalton wasn’t as warmly received by the public either, due to his more serious and darker take. So, after the legal disruption which shelved the original Bond 17 and an extended wait between Bond films, a mutual agreement with the producers cut his contract short.

Timothy Dalton may not have been as warmly received by the public at the time, but his films are highly popular among Bond fans, and for good reasons. However, if the producers had got their way, Pierce Brosnan would have been Bond for those films.

According to casting director Debbie McWilliams, Pierce Brosnan was almost cast in the role before Timothy Dalton. However, Brosnan’s commitments to TV show, Remington Steele, caused scheduling conflicts, and the role went to Dalton instead.

McWilliams said Brosnan was earmarked for the part and had even been costumed for the part by Bond producers. But Mary Tyler Moore company had contracted Brosnan for their TV series Remington Steele, and after long deliberation and a last-minute change of heart they refused to let him go.

Pierce Brosnan then had to wait another 7 years before he finally got the chance after being inducted for the role in the GoldenEye cast in 1995.

Timothy Dalton was the fourth actor to play James Bond

Always Debate for The Next James Bond Actors

James Bond is arguably the most iconic film franchise of all time. And with a total of 25 films grossing over $15 billion, adjusted for inflation, the role of 007 is never taken lightly.

The role of James Bond is highly coveted, and to date, six different actors have officially portrayed the British secret agent. And with time closing in on any announcement, excitement and debate in the rumour mill on who will become the next James Bond intensifies.

Tom Hardy was the early favourite with bookmakers, but it appears producers are going for someone a bit younger, with Henry Cavill, Aaron Taylor-Johnson and James Norton leading the way.

There has always been debate and confrontation on who should be the next Bond, with every man and his dog having an opinion.

Daniel Craig had to endure criticisim after he was cast as Bond for Casino Royale. With his blond hair, blue eyes and macho style, he “didn’t look like a Bond”. However, Craig won over the doubters, even if his Bond was criticised for being a bit emotional.