Not everybody gets to play the regal spy, James Bond. Generations have come to know him, and admire him for his steadfast determination to defeat the enemy while attracting women . How did they choose the actors who portrayed the iconic figure? Looks, attitude and carriage surely played a part as did a steely gaze or the twinkle of an eye. How did Ian Fleming's James Bond enter our lives and make make a huge impression on people all over the world?
The search for Bond began in 1959. Ian Fleming himself had a fondness toward Richard Burton. Of course, that never came to pass, but the people who were considered were fabulous and diverse. James Bond would defeat the bad guys while looking calm and collected, barely ruffling his clothing or his mood. He dedicated his loyalty to Queen Elizabeth II and his country.
CBS acquired the rights to Casino Royal in 1954 for only $1000 from Fleming himself. Nobody knew what the handsome and capable spy would come to mean to the world. In the beginning, Bond lacked the ability and instincts his character is known for. After all, his character saves the world and even the universe many times over.
Other actors portrayed Bond before Sean Connery and a selected few have taken on the legacy over the 70 years of his existence. This book presents the interviews and conversations about casting Bond and there are many surprises. The formation of Bond's character is a thrilling tale. We never looked at the promos for the movies. We just went and had a great time.
Fleming's books were dangerous and exciting and it took time for the movies to have the same drive and elan. Bond has a license to kill and is attractive to the ladies. Nobody ever looked at him and was repulsed by his cool and controlled nature as he conquered every villain. Talk about the every man!
Luckily, Albert Broccoli and Harry Saltzman knew what they were looking for and transferred the necessary steel to Bond's photo image.
The search for Bond intensified after Sean Connery left. Broccoli and Saltzman interviewed scads pf handsome actors for the role. They spoke and screen-tested many unknowns and A listers to find someone with all the characteristics of the famous spy. It was a difficult undertaking because James Bond became a huge character.
This is great reading and I haven't wanted to put the book down. The process for casting is involved and so many people would love to portray him. Even today, the character of James Bond, created by Ian Fleming is larger than life, and the search for a proper successor always sparks interest, and since only six men have had the role in 70 years, it has to be right.
I enjoyed reading about the actors who would love to be Bond.
This is the second book I am reading by Robert Sellers, and he does a great job at relating the importance of the casting process. Some actors had to wait for many years to take on the role because of conflicting commitments . Some didn't want to live their lives under inspecting eyes, and so many others almost made it, but something came up.
This is a great read. Sean Connery. Roger Moore. George Lazenby, Timothy Dalton. Pierce Brosnan. Daniel Craig. Who will be next?
Thank you to the author and publisher for allowing me to read an ARC copy of the book. All opinions are my own.

Bond. James Bond. Whoever you are, either fans of the books or the movies or both, you will undoubtably have a favourite Bond. For most number one will always be Sean Connery for it was he who first brought the character to life. We also have movies that we like better than others and have favourites villains and stunts and damsels in distress.

What sets this book apart and makes it fascinating reading is the process that the producers went through to find each actor, including the first one on the screen. Whether the slant was steely eyed and cold or more humorous, this select group of actors is in a league of their own due to how much those movies are part of our shared experiences.

The search for the right one was neither easy nor fast in any of the situations. Often when one of the actors was being recalcitrant in committing to the next movie, actors would be interviewed. There were a couple of poor sods who got looked at time and again. Never the bride. Some got to be bridesmaid with other parts but most, either through their own choice or not, did not get the call. The book finishes with those who are currently under consideration. But as was quoted in the book when it was once suggested to change the character, I hope they stick with who and what Bond is. In spite of how the world has changed, it is always entertaining. Five purrs and two paws up.

Great behind the scenes of how the Bond search went. So many names we recognize, some would have been great, others i could not see as Bond.
Think Sean will always be my fave bond.
Looking forward to this being published as i know my mum is wanting to read after my gasps and did you know comments

I LOVE the Bond movies and this book was so informative and interesting. I found myself looking up all the people that almost became Bond, James Bond! I learned a lot about the movie industry and the actors and others involved in the creation of the Bond movies.

A very well told history of the original search for the actor that would portray James Bond and each subsequent iteration of the character that in lesser hands may have simply been a list of names and stats.

Thanks to The History Shelf and Netgalley for the digital ARC. This was given to me for an honest review.