Is it true that Cary Grant turned down the chance to be the original James Bond in Dr. No?

Yes, it is true. Hollywood idol Cary Grant was urged to take the role of James Bond in Dr. No (1962) by his close friend, the Bond producer Albert "Cubby" Broccoli, who had Grant as the best man at his wedding. In fact, both producers Albert R. Broccoli and Harry Saltzman originally sought out Grant. They discarded the idea as Grant would be committed to only one feature film; therefore, they decided to go after someone who could be part of a franchise. Also, Grant would have been 58 years old in 1962 (Roger Moore's age in 1985 when A View to a Kill was released, and Roger played Bond for the last time).

More Info: en.wikipedia.org

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59 Comments

George Oliver Prince

They must have had a real time finding the right guy. They even asked Steve Reeves, Hercules in the movies, the play James Bond in Dr. No. They got it right with Sean Connery

scottlarock

yeah, but Roger Moore looked old at 58...Cary Grant was beautiful...good choice was made with Sean Connery....

Randy Raglin

Grant did not turn down the part, He was only considered but not picked.

cgrhm

Grant was everyone's involved first choice. He declined saying he was involved in too many projects and at any rate, he didn't do anything for less than a million bucks. The entire budget for Dr. No was less than a million.

Randy

Randy Raglin, Grant was offered the part, but turned it down because of his age.

Valerie Coopet

I fact checked it said he was considered but not offered. I suppose it all depends on who said what

Tom Statham

Penny Williamson, my "son" Jason would take it to a new level!

Philip Provencher

Let’s go

Sharen Wiltgen Valentine

Cary Grant would have indeed been too old for the part, but always loved how debonair and classy he was. To me, Sean Connery IS James Bond. I know he had to be replaced eventually, but he was the perfect choice.

honeyjackson

Cary would've been the perfect Bond,but Sean Connery was THE BEST JAMES BOND! Now,my pick: SAM HEUGHAN from the TV series OUTLANDER! He's to die for,and he'd be so fantastic as Bond! He's got the "IT" factor! He's gorgeous,HOT🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥,sexy as all hell,funny,serious,strong,fearless, just watch him in OUTLANDER. The other HOT ONE,HENRY CAVILL! Put both of them together in a Bond film! Sales would go through the roof!👍😉😍💋