It was late in 1969, and George Lazenby had just quit the role of James Bond before his one and only movie had even been released. And so began the long hard slog to find another James Bond. Harry Saltzman and Albert Broccoli interviewed and screen tested all through out 1970 but couldnt find anyone that fit their vision for the iconic character. So they did the unthinkable, they looked for a non British actor to play the part.
Two American actors rose the top of the pile, Burt Reynolds and John Gavin. Burt was the hot favourite. Even Guy Hamilton the director of Diamonds are forever wanted him. But Burt would go on to walk away from the role. At the time he said he felt that it was a part that should only be played by a Brit but later in life in questioned this. Wondering if he was more influenced by a lack of self confidence. Putting himself down in a way. That left John Gavin with a clear path, and he was offered the role.
Gavins announcement went under reported by the UK media of the time, but the American media were only too happy to pump out stories about the casting. However, all was not well behind the scenes. OHMSS hadnt done as well as hoped, and the head of UA, David Picker, was none too pleased about the casting of an American. He needed Diamonds to be a hit, and there was only one way to guarantee that. So he went to the Saltzman and Broccoli and told them that he would fund a huge salary to get Sean Connery back in the role of James Bond.
And so began the chase to get Connery back. First they sent Stanley Sopel, an associate producer on Diamonds and friend to Connery. Connery turned him down flat. Although Connery's career hadnt gone in the direction he wanted, he saw taking the Bond role again as a step backwards in his career. Next up, Ursula Andress, Connery's favourite bond girl. No dice. So David Picker got a plane himself and went to see Connery. He offered Connery 1.25 million and a 10% cut of the gross profits. On top of that he said that United Artists would back him on two movies of his choice. And that was that, Gavin was out. And 1970s version of trolling started with many news outlets running stories about how the real James Bond was back. Lazenby took it in the neck as well.
Gavin having been paid in full anyway, tore up his contract. And that, as they say, was that. Until a couple of years later and Connery had walked again. Burt was called back up, even Clint Eastwood got a phone call. And once again, Gavin was looking like he was going to playing the part in Live and let die. But again, the idea of an American Bond didnt sit right with studios or producers. This time it was Roger Moore who would block Gavin from becoming the man with a licence to kill.
Much like Henry Cavill, an actor seemingly forever linked with but never getting the role, you can see John Gavin playing a similar role in OSS 117: murder for hire.
So what do think about an American Bond? Bullet dodged? A missed opportunity?
submitted by /u/Shaggarooney [comments]
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