James Bond & Bond Girls Discussion Thread

[Greenman]

I also have a piece from the Daily Mail that says that David Bowie was offered the role of Max Zorin, in 'A View To A Kill' but he turned it down as did Sting(Gordon Sumner) before him. Eventually we got Christopher Walken who played the deranged genius and for my money I think they got it spot on. What is more remarkable is that Orson Welles was offered the role of Goldfinger but he wanted too much money so they cast Gert Frobe instead largely on the back of a role he played as a child killer in the German film "Es geschah am hellichten Tag (It Happened in Broad Daylight, 1958) James Mason was considered for the role of Carl Stromberg in 'The Spy Who Loved Me' and Sir Hugo Drax 'Moonraker' - on both occasions he was unavailable. Sting was also offered the role of Emile Locque in 'For Your Eyes Only' but reluctantly turned it down due to other commitments.
Source: Daily Mail Answers to Correspondents - contributors Barry McCann and Oliver Barton.

[pharoahegypt]

Interesting to hear those other names first considered for such iconic roles; as who could imagine Auric Goldfinger as anyone but Gert?

Reminds me that David Jason was about third or fourth choice for the role of Delboy Trotter; unbelievably I recall Derek Jacobi was first offered it..?

[rosestone]

Originally Posted by pharoahegypt

Reminds me that David Jason was about third or fourth choice for the role of Delboy Trotter; unbelievably I recall Derek Jacobi was first offered it..?

I don't know why I know this, but Anthony Hopkins nearly had a role in that too - he was a big fan, so they created the part of Del's nemesis, the policeman (can't remember the character name), for him. However, he was unable to take the role coz of other commitments, and another eventual oscar winner, Jim Broadbent, played the part instead.

[pharoahegypt]

Originally Posted by rosestone

I don't know why I know this, but Anthony Hopkins nearly had a role in that too - he was a big fan, so they created the part of Del's nemesis, the policeman (can't remember the character name), for him. However, he was unable to take the role coz of other commitments, and another eventual oscar winner, Jim Broadbent, played the part instead.

Ex copper, Roy Slater. Think he was also Raquel's ex hubby too as I recall?

[Greenman]

Just to go slightly off topic- Yes he was the bent copper Roy Slater and David Jason got the role of Del thanks to his appearance as Granville in 'Open All Hours' when he appeared with a medalion round his neck(actually a hot chocolate lid) and open to the waist shirt. I could see Sting or Bowie being Max Zorin due in part to their blonde hair periods.

[royrace]

Originally Posted by rosestone

As I understand it, Hopkins even filmed for a couple of days in the role of Elliot Carver

You understand wrong

[Greenman]

If you are going to contradict someone at least do it in a friendlier manner than that please.
"The official line was that Hopkins was offered the role of Elliot Carver. He accepted, but eventually left the production on account of the uncertainty of the film's ever-changing script. The part was eventually given to Jonathan Pryce."
Source: Daily Mail: Answer to Correspondents section -contributor Oliver Barton, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne.

[JK2001]

I liked her in Live And Let Die. Solitaire was an interesting Bond girl. I like her tarot reading backstory and that she had to be kept pure, otherwise she would lose her powers if she lost her virginity. Jane always comes as friendly in featurettes and interviews too. Apparently, she was dubbed by long-time Bond stalwart Nikki Van Der Zyl in parts as well. Not sure why. Jane has a clear speaking accent.

[JK2001]

If Tracy had lived at the end of OHMSS, do you think that she and James would've worked out in the long run. My theory is no because Bond has made enemies all over the world thanks to his job. He would've spent the rest of his life looking over his shoulder.

I also think if Lazenby had done more than one film, DAF would've been a gritty revenge flick instead of the campfest we got in the final cut of DAF. (Nothing wrong with camp, but it doesn't suit Sean's portrayal.)

Tracy was meant to be killed in the pre- title sequence of DAF. But this wasn't meant to be, as George had left the role. There were other factors too, such as the death of Ilse Steppatt.

[vzok]

Originally Posted by gamerboy

If Tracy had lived at the end of OHMSS, do you think that she and James would've worked out in the long run. My theory is no because Bond has made enemies all over the world thanks to his job. He would've spent the rest of his life looking over his shoulder.

Bond said he was going to quit his job. He'd have been safe........for a while.