Unending Action: Remembering Sean Connery, the first-ever James Bond

While many have loved watching Sean Connery as James Bond, Agent 007 since the first film of the hit franchise in the 1960s, the actor is still alive in the hearts of action fans and will always be

Outlook International Desk

Updated on: 27 August 2023 1:17 pm

James Bond movie poster

The James Bond universe is still one of the most loved among movie lovers. The action and the style of the film cannot match any other. Well, this whole universe of unending action was debuted by the eminent actor Sean Connery over 60 years ago. Despite decades passing, Sean’s ‘Dr No’, the first James Bond movie is still the best-loved and long-lasting film franchise of all time.

Born in Edinburg, Scotland, Sean Connery began his journey in bodybuilding and modeling and even competed in the Mr. Universe contest in 1953. Then, film offers began coming his way and in the early 1960s, he landed the role of James Bond, Agent 007 of the British Secret Intelligence Services in the film ‘Dr No’, surpassing the list of potential actors to star as the leading man.
As the offer landed on his plate, Connery demanded the makers to include some more humor into the story, calling it “essential” for the script. And when the ‘Rising Sun’ actor was asked to give a test for the role, he refused, in style!

“Sorry, but I’m not making tests. I’m well past that. Take it or leave it, but no test,” Connery had said and the makers agreed to his terms finally.
To call this role a turning point in his career can be an understatement. The film, which was based on Ian Fleming’s bestselling novel, became a blockbuster hit paving the way for it to become the most loved franchise even after several decades passed. The film made $59.5 million against a $1 million budget.

Sean then starred in five 007 movies before George Lazenby took over with 1969’s On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.
However, George Lazenby left the franchise after just one movie after which Sean Connery was convinced to return to playing James Bond Connery in 1971’s ‘Diamonds Are Forever’ for a then-record $1.25 million salary plus two future movies of his choice. Soon after, Connery became James Bond one more time in the 1983’s unofficial Thunderball remake ‘Never Say Never Again’.

Once Sean retired from the role, Daniel Craig joined the club and continued the proud James Bond franchise. However, movie lovers still cannot get over the charms of Sean Connery and never will.