With the highly anticipated release of "Spectre", the newest installment in the James Bond franchise, coming out later this week. I thought it would be a great time to settle an age old debate. It is a simple question, but depending on who you ask you are likely to get all six actors. The character of James Bond is based on Ian Flemming's novels of agent 007 in MI6, Her Majesties Secret Service.
So, who is the best James Bond actor? Is it the original Sean Connery, or the actor who played Bond the longest -- Sir Roger Moore? Could it be the current Bond, Daniel Craig, or the one before him -- Pierce Brosnan? Could it be George Lazenby? He did only one, but his is arguably the best among fans. It's time to settle the score. I have the "License to Kill" and I will use it.
Number 6, Sir Roger Moore.
Sir Roger Moore is the longest tenured Bond, having donned the tux for seven films over a 12-year period. He, in turn, is last on the list because he persona of Bond is laughable, and not due to his light hearted comedic movies he is in. He has the suave part of Bond down. He can swoon the ladies with a look, and looks great in a tux, however, that's all he really brings to the table. Due to his comedic approach with quick quips and one liners, he never seemed intimating and rough, like some actors have played Bond. His Bond films are often seen as some of the worst in the franchise, but one bright spot about his films -- the worst, "Moonraker," actually was the highest grossing Bond movie up to that time.
Number 5, George Lazenby.
Lazenby actually was, in fans opinion, one of if not the best James Bond movie, On Her Majesties Secret Service. He is actually Australian making him the only non-English actor to have ever played Bond. he was originally a model, turned actor. The movie is great, however Lazenby was said to have been horrible to work with. Cubby Broccoli, long time Bond movie producer, said Lazenby's attitude was annoying. After his film was released he said he did not want to pursue another Bond movie, and Broccoli happily said goodbye. He oozed sexuality and had a rough edge about him. If he had a better attitude about himself and wanted more Bond movies, he would definitely be higher in the list, but with all things considered he isn't.
Number 4, Timothy Dalton.
Dalton became the new Bond after Moore finished as Bond. Dalton brought the role somewhat back to its roots, with less campy gadgets and more realism that had not been seen in Moore's version of Bond. He was suave, but not as much as other actors who have portrayed the character. He was more rough and gritty, and many people who have read Ian Flemming's books say he was the most accurate portrayal of the Bond in the novels. I haven't read the novels so I cannot comment on that. He had the role for two movies, "The Living Daylights" and "License To Kill." Both movies were pretty good and in "License To Kill" they actually had to cut out a few scenes to avoid an R rating. Dalton was signed on to do at least one more film. However, with the longest period in between Bond films due to legal battles, he stated he was done with the role.
Number 3, Pierce Brosnan.
Brosnan was actually supposed to be Bond a decade before he was. In the mid '80s he was in a popular NBC show, "Remington Steel," and it was being canceled. He had to wait 60 days, NBC had 60 days to renew the show before it was canceled for good before he could be officially announced as the next Bond. On days 58, NBC picked up "Remington Steel's" option, and the rest is history. When he finally did come into the fray as James Bond, he had a break out blockbuster with "Goldeneye" in 1995. He was suave, rough and had some great one liners. He returned for three more movies. The second and third movies were successful, but his fourth movie had mixed reviews, at best. He stated he wanted to do six, because Connery had done six and then leave the role forever. He was given four, and in October of 2004 said he was finished with the role. A year later Craig was chosen to reprise the role of James Bond
Number 2, Daniel Craig.
Craig is the current Bond, but was the fan favorite when he was cast in the part back in 2005, stating blond hair and blue eyes are not Bond. However, with a total reboot of the franchise he has taken Bond into his own. "Skyfall" was the highest-grossing Bond movie ever. He has played the part of James Bond in three movies and the fourth hits theaters on Friday. He is suave and rough. He is all about violence, and he has a soft side, as well. When "Casino Royale" hit the screen, it was a total reboot, in the opening scene he is given his 00 code name when he kills his first two targets. He, unlike most Bonds in previous movies, has been given a back story in "Skyfall," and it looks to culminate in "Spectre." His movies give several nods to previous movies with iconic scenes and imagery, and he is contracted to do another James Bond film -- though, currently, this is up in the air.
Number 1, Sean Connery.
Sean Connery is the quintessential Bond prototype. He is tough, suave, and soft when he has to be. He is in arguably the best Bond film, "Goldfinger," a personal favorite. He was the original, and all other Bonds have been compared to Connery, and yet none have surpassed him. He was Bond for six films, seven if you count the non-canon film "Never Say Never," but that's a discussion for a different day. He left after becoming tired of the role, and returned after Lazenby's departure from the franchise for "Diamonds Are Forever," and turned down $5 million, an unheard of sum at the time, for another movie. His films are classics, and most of his films rank in the top tier of the Bond franchise. Connery is Bond and Bond is Connery -- simple as that.
