“That’s somebody else’s gig”: Clint Eastwood Was the Bigger Man When He Was Offered to Take Away Sean Connery’s James Bond Role

Clint Eastwood is one of the most legendary actors in Hollywood who has captivated the audience with his powerful depictions since he stepped into showbiz to become a star. Eastwood has proved why he remains on top of his acting A-game. An unstoppable icon, several of his movies have achieved iconic status in the industry. In addition to his extraordinary filmography, which contains projects of almost all genres, the award-winning star has successfully helmed dozens of films, earning him top-level accolades and honors. 

While the 93-year-old actor has played many influential, challenging, and memorable characters, he once revealed during a media interaction that he was reportedly offered the role of 007 in the lucrative James Bond franchise movie after Sean Connery’s last appearance as the British Secret Service agent in the 1983 spy movie Never Say Never Again. The Cry Macho movie star, who was at the pinnacle of his career when he received this offer, ultimately passed on the opportunity.

Clint Eastwood Nearly Played the Role of 007 in James Bond Franchise Movie After Sean Connery

Clint Eastwood is one of the most sought-after actor-directors in the film industry, whose inescapable presence on the silver screen has often left the audience entertained and delighted. Eastwood has continued to achieve tremendous success and fame in his legendary career, thanks to his cinematic genius and top-notch directing skills, which have helped him solidify his spot among the top echelons stars.

Throughout his successful run as a leading actor, the 93-year-old star graced the big screen by displaying his multi-talents and playing varied roles. As reported by Collider, during his candid conversation with the L.A. Times Hero Complex blog, the Pale Rider star revealed how he got offered the job to depict 007 after late legendary actor Sean Connery, who portrayed this iconic character in seven installments of the gigantic film franchise, left the series, making last appearance in 1983 spy movie Never Say Never Again. The actor was riding high in his career when he was suggested to play this epic role and passed on the job for a surprising reason.

Clint Eastwood Reveals Why He Turned Down to Play the Role of James Bond

As per Collider, Clint Eastwood told L.A. Times Hero Complex that he got offered a hefty paycheck had he accepted the role in the first place, saying, 

“I was also offered pretty good money to do James Bond if I would take on the role. This was after Sean Connery left. My lawyer represented the Broccolis, and he came and said, ‘They would love to have you.’ But to me, well, that was somebody else’s gig. That’s Sean’s deal.”

He continued,

“It didn’t feel right for me to be doing it… I always liked characters that were more grounded in reality. Maybe they do super things or more-than-human things – like Dirty Harry, he has a knack for doing crazy things, or the western guys.”

Clint Eastwood was offered the role of James Bond after late actor Sean Connery left the franchise. However, he also passed on the opportunity to play such a popular character on the silver screen, claiming, “That’s Sean’s deal.”