Why Ian Fleming Initially Rejected Sean Connery as James Bond
Ian Fleming never pictured Sean Connery as James Bond, believing he didn’t match his vision. But after seeing Connery’s performance, Fleming changed his mind and even wove parts of Connery’s persona into Bond’s story.
Few movie characters have left as deep a mark on pop culture as James Bond. Over the decades, the role has been reimagined by stars like Pierce Brosnan, Timothy Dalton, and Daniel Craig, each bringing their own spin while keeping the character’s signature appeal. Yet, for many fans, Sean Connery remains the gold standard. After Daniel Craig’s departure following No Time to Die, debates about the future of the franchise have heated up. Some want to see a woman take on the role, while others are calling for more diverse casting, including trans and non-binary actors. Meanwhile, traditionalists argue that Bond should stay true to his roots as a symbol of classic masculinity.
What’s surprising is that Ian Fleming, the man who created Bond, was once unsure about the actor who would become the most iconic 007. In an interview, Fleming described his original vision for Bond as a rather plain man who stumbles into extraordinary situations.
“When I wrote the first one, in 1953. I wanted Bond to be an extremely dull, uninteresting man to whom things happened…”
He even chose the name James Bond because it sounded so ordinary, inspired by a real-life ornithologist.
“One of the bibles of my youth was Birds of the West Indies, by James Bond, a well-known ornithologist, and when I was casting about for a name for my protagonist, I thought, My God, that’s the dullest name I’ve ever heard, so I appropriated it. Now the dullest name in the world has become an exciting one. Mrs Bond once wrote me a letter thanking me for using it.”
Fleming’s Doubts About Connery
When Sean Connery was suggested for the role during the making of Dr. No, Fleming was skeptical. He didn’t think Connery fit the image he had in mind for the British spy.
“He’s not what I envisioned of James Bond looks. I’m looking for Commander Bond and not an overgrown stunt man.”
Fleming’s hesitation reflected his uncertainty about how Bond should be portrayed on screen. He never intended for Bond to be a superhero or a larger-than-life figure. Instead, Bond was supposed to be a regular guy caught up in wild adventures—a blank slate rather than a showman. Connery’s strong presence and charisma threatened to turn Bond into something much bigger than Fleming had planned.
Connery’s Impact on the Character
Ironically, it was Connery’s bold take on the role that helped Bond become a lasting icon. Connery brought a sense of danger, sex appeal, and authority that transformed the character for moviegoers. He managed to bridge the gap between Fleming’s understated creation and the demands of blockbuster cinema, showing that Bond could evolve without losing his essence.
After seeing Connery in action, Fleming changed his mind. The film ’s success convinced him that Connery was the right choice, and he even started to weave aspects of Connery’s background into Bond’s storylines. What began as a mismatch between author and actor ended up redefining one of film’s most enduring heroes.