Was Roger Moore Ian Fleming’s First Choice for James Bond?

Many fans and historians have wondered whether Roger Moore was Ian Fleming's first choice to play James Bond. In reality, this popular belief is not accurate. Let's explore the truth behind who Ian Fleming initially envisioned for the iconic role.

Ian Fleming’s Initial Vision for Bond

Ian Fleming, the creator of James Bond, initially had a very specific idea of who would fill the role of the suave secret agent. Interestingly, according to Fleming's writings, he first envisioned Cary Grant as the perfect Bond. Cary Grant, with his charismatic presence and timeless attributes, seemingly fit the bill perfectly.

Following Grant, other notable actors were considered. Richard Burton and Sean Connery were both put forward as potential candidates. The decision-making process was quite extensive, as each actor brought a unique dynamic to the table.

Ian Fleming’s First Choice: David Niven

While Cary Grant was Fleming's initial choice, he eventually pointed to another individual: David Niven. Fleming believed that Niven's background and natural charm made him a suitable choice for the role. Niven, standing at 5'11.5", seemed to match the height requirements and portrayed the character dramatically.

Fleming's choice for Niven was not merely a matter of physical appearance, but also practical considerations. Fleming, having known Niven personally, felt that his experience in the military during World War II would add authenticity to the role of a secret agent like James Bond.

Initial Rejection and Christopher Lee

Despite Fleming's preference for Niven, the producers at EON (Entertainments Organization New) decided against him. Niven, while willing to accept the role for one film, refused to commit to a longer-term contract. This decision put the producers in a bind, and they had to look for another choice.

In this search, Christopher Lee was mentioned as a cousin of Fleming who had served in special operations during World War II. However, Lee was relatively new to the acting scene at that time, and his reputation as a serious actor (often known for his roles in horror and fantasy genres) made him less appealing to the producers.

Roger Moore and the Role

Roger Moore was not in Ian Fleming's initial thoughts. In fact, the EON producers briefly considered him but eventually rejected him due to his youthful and 'baby face' appearance. It is interesting to note that this dismissal was based on his then-current persona, and he was later reconsidered as he aged.

Other Considerations

Other actors also gravitated towards the role of Bond. Patrick McGoohan was among those considered. Unfortunately, McGoohan had moral scruples against playing a character known for being a womanizer and murderer. Instead, McGoohan went on to have a successful career playing other notable characters, such as John Drake in the TV series Danger Man and Patrick McGoohan in The Prisoner.

Despite these rejections, the producers eventually settled on Sean Connery, who transformed the role and went on to legendary status. Initially hesitant about Connery due to his Scottish heritage, Fleming was won over by Connery's performances and even gave Bond a Scottish heritage in his later novels.

In conclusion, while Roger Moore was never Ian Fleming's first choice, his later casting in the role proved to be a significant moment in cinema history. Understanding the evolution of the role of James Bond, from the initial visions of Fleming to the choices made by the producers, provides a rich and nuanced history of one of the most celebrated franchises in the entertainment industry.

Keywords: Roger Moore, Ian Fleming, James Bond