The legendary actor, who passed away at 90, set the standard against which all subsequent 007 portrayals were measured. Pierce Brosnan, Roger Moore, and Timothy Dalton found themselves inevitably compared to Connery’s iconic rendition.
Across his lifetime, Connery expressed differing levels of thoughts on the Bond actors who came after him. Notably, his most recognizable remarks revolved around Daniel Craig, the present face of the renowned MI5 agent.
Sean Connery Was A Fan Of Daniel Craig’s Work
As it turned out, Sean Connery held a significant admiration for Daniel Craig, describing the selection of the latter as Bond – once met with controversy due to his blonde hair – as a “fantastic decision” for the iconic role.
“I think they’re going back to a more realistic type of Bond movie as I don’t think they could have gone much further with the special effects,” he told MailOnline back in 2005. “It’s not something that’s ever likely to happen. It’s with me until I go to the box,” Connery said on being ever associated with the role.
After the announcement of Connery’s passing, Daniel Craig offered a heartfelt homage to the actor. He acknowledged Connery as not just Bond, but a multifaceted figure. Craig emphasized that Connery shaped an entire era and established a distinct style.
“Sir Sean Connery will be remembered as Bond and so much more,” Craig said. “He defined an era and a style. The wit and charm he portrayed on screen could be measured in megawatts; he helped create the modern blockbuster.”
In 1962’s Dr. No, Connery stepped into the role of James Bond for the first time. He reprised this character in subsequent films, including 1963’s From Russia with Love and 1964’s Goldfinger.
Sean Connery Was Offered A Role In LOTR And The Matrix
As per accounts, the esteemed late actor was presented with an opportunity to join one of America’s most lucrative film franchises, The Lord of the Rings. Renowned for its exceptional storylines and groundbreaking filmmaking techniques, this epic fantasy adventure series garnered widespread acclaim. Yet, Connery declined the offer, citing a lack of comprehension of the script as his reason. The part he was approached for was that of Gandalf, a role he ultimately turned down.
Steering clear of yet another major blockbuster franchise, the star of The Hill declined an opportunity within The Matrix. This sci-fi saga, spearheaded by the illustrious Keanu Reeves, has amassed numerous prestigious awards and widespread acclaim. Despite his diverse and captivating roles throughout his esteemed career, Connery was presented with a role within the franchise, which he ultimately declined, expressing his sentiment by stating,
Source: Gamesradar