![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/SEC_258826733-ce2d.jpg\")
\n\t\tA Hollywood icon has shared he nearly played agent 007 (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n
\t\t
\n\t\tA Hollywood icon has shared he nearly played agent 007 (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n
James Brolin has revealed that he very nearly played James Bond<\/a>, only to lose out at the last moment when Roger Moore<\/a> had a change of heart. <\/p>\n The actor, 85, reflected on the early 1980s, when he was tapped to take over the iconic role of 007.<\/p>\n At the time, Roger Moore had indicated that he was finished with the Bond franchise, and producers began seriously considering replacements.<\/p>\n Among those brought in was Brolin, who by then had earned acclaim for roles in Marcus Welby, M.D. and The Amityville Horror. <\/p>\n In a recent interview with People<\/a> magazine, Brolin revealed he flew to London<\/a>, met with producer Albert \u2018Cubby\u2019 Broccoli, began training with stuntmen, and even secured an apartment in anticipation of shooting Octopussy.<\/p>\n \u2018He was out, so I flew over and I met all the people,\u2019 Brolin recalled to the publication. <\/p>\n \t\t \t\t \t\t \u2018And I got my apartment and I started working with the stuntmen and Cubby Broccoli hired me.\u2019 <\/p>\n He continued: \u2018We hadn\u2019t signed any papers yet. I got back to L.A. to get my stuff because I was going to be gone for a year. And I got a call saying Roger decided to do one more, and I was out.\u2019<\/p>\n Moore ultimately returned for Octopussy, released in 1983, and again for A View to a Kill in 1985. <\/p>\n Brolin, meanwhile, continued a steady and diverse acting career, eventually earning an Emmy and Golden Globe for his television work and becoming a respected character actor. <\/p>\n He also turned down the role of Superman, citing a lack of interest in playing idealised leading men. \u2018To be a leading man and just looking your best and saying the words perfect, it\u2019s not interesting at all to me,\u2019 he told People.<\/p>\n \t\t \t\t Brolin\u2019s revelation comes as fans continue to speculate over who will play 007 in a new Bond film that\u2019s expected by the end of 2027. Daniel Craig<\/a>\u00a0stepped down in 2021<\/a>, leaving the role open for a newcomer.<\/p>\n Aaron Taylor-Johnson<\/a>\u00a0has\u00a0long been heavily rumoured<\/a>\u00a0to be the next\u00a0James Bond<\/a>, from as far back as 2022 \u2013 although\u00a0reports of his official casting<\/a>\u00a0were denied in March 2024.<\/p>\n Former favourite\u00a0Idris Elba<\/a>, 52, previously\u00a0ruled himself out\u00a0<\/a>from playing the British spy, while\u00a0other hotly tipped actors<\/a>, including\u00a0James Norton\u00a0<\/a>and\u00a0Theo James<\/a>, have remained coy.<\/p>\n Recently, Amazon MGM Studios has announced that Denis Villeneuve will helm the next James Bond film, increasing anticipation. <\/p>\n The Canadian director, best known for directing Dune and Dune: Part Two, as well as Arrival, Blade Runner 2049, Sicario, and Prisoners, expressed reverence for the character.<\/p>\n \t\t \u2018Some of my earliest movie-going memories are connected to 007,\u2019 he said in a statement released Wednesday.<\/p>\n He called the opportunity \u2018a massive responsibility, but also, incredibly exciting for me and a huge honour.\u2019<\/p>\n The announcement comes during a period of major upheaval behind the scenes of the Bond universe.<\/p>\n Amazon Studios\u00a0officially purchased MGM for $8.45billion (\u00a36.7billion) in 2022, with a\u00a0new agreement over creative control<\/a>\u00a0meaning Bond\u00a0\u2014 and\u00a0whoever is next to play\u00a0007<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 is entirely under the streamer\u2019s control.<\/p>\n Got a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n If you\u2019ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk<\/a> entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff<\/a> page \u2013 we\u2019d love to hear from you.<\/p>\n Arrow Arrow![\"HOTEL\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/GettyImages-93765542.jpg\")
\n\t\tJames Brolin claimed he was in the final stages of taking over as James Bond when Roger Moore decided to come back to the franchise(Picture: ABC Photo Archives\/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images)<\/p>\n![\"James](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/GettyImages-2171720902.jpg\")
\n\t\tHe\u2019d even begun working with a stunt double for the role (Picture: Michael Ochs Archives\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/GettyImages-2210000345.jpg\")
\n\t\tHowever, Brolin never officially signed on (Picture: Weiss Eubanks\/NBCUniversal via Getty Images)<\/p>\n![\"Anwar](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/GettyImages-110953720.jpg\")
\n\t\tRoger Moore starred in seven James Bond filmd in total (Picture: Anwar Hussein\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n![\"Live](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/GettyImages-102558225.jpg\")
\n\t\tMoore decided to comeback for Octopussy after initially withdrawing from the fanchise (Picture: Silver Screen Collection\/Archive Photos\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n![\"FILE](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/SEI_256864102-8a2b.jpg\")
\n\t\tDenis Villeneuve has been announced as the director of the next James Bond film (Picture: Jordan Strauss\/Invision\/AP, File)<\/p>\n
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