The Search for Bond: How the 007 Role Was Won and Lost

by Robert Sellers

'There are so many insights – even hardcore Bond fans will be surprised. Indispensable.' – David Lowbridge-Ellis MBE

Only six men can lay claim to wearing the famous Savile Row tuxedo of James Bond; more people have stepped on the Moon. Yet, hundreds more came within an inch of winning the coveted 007 role – the pinnacle for so many actors.

For the first time, The Search for Bond tells the extraordinary story of how cinema's most famous secret agent was cast, featuring exclusive interviews with many of the actors who were at one time considered to play Bond, interviewed for the role, or went as far as to be screen tested. From Sir Ranulph Fiennes to Sam Neill, their memories and stories give a fascinating insiders' glimpse into the process of how the Bond producers, Broccoli and Saltzman, came up with the right man to play their famous spy.

Genres: Nonfiction

287 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 17, 2024

Reviews

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read quite a few books by Robert Sellers & always found his research into films & television series to be superb. Somehow he always manages to discover new facts & conduct excellent interviews in all his work & The Search for Bond is no exception.
Having been a James Bond fan for the last 50 years there were plenty of things in this book that I already knew about. However, Sellers supplied plenty of new surprises & there's lots of great stuff here even for the most dedicated fans of 007.
As the search for an actor to replace Daniel Craig as James Bond continues this is a very topical read. I'm still waiting for the producers to contact me to step into 007's shoes. I think they must have lost my phone number again!!

[Ben A · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very well told history of the original search for the actor that would portray James Bond and each subsequent iteration of 007 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.

[Thor Twinkle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really great book that, thanks to many interviews and a lot of research from the author, gives us an insight into why some actors (and sometimes even non-actors) were taken into consideration for the role of James Bond. The author managed to create a through-line throughout the book so it doesn't come across as him just listing a bunch of names.
It was so interesting to read because it also made me see the 6 actors, who played the characters in the EON movies, from a different perspective.
I highly recommend it to Bond fans.

[Matt DiGennaro · Rating 3 out of 5]

A well-researched book that read a little dryly but I very much appreciated all the hard work that clearly went into this project.

[Susan Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Sam Davies · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Search For Bond proves that the ‘click bait’ in the British press of ‘…tipped to be the next Bond’ has been happening long before Connery was cast in the role.

This book is certainly one for every Bond fans collection, presenting us with a plethora of ‘what if’ scenarios.

Admittedly I did struggle at the beginning, but that’s just as I didn’t recognise the names of many other actors. But that’s just an age thing, it became more relevant across Brosnan and Craig where some of the names who auditioned are still in the public eye.
What I did enjoy about the first section of the Book, was how Harry & Cubby came across. Their passion for Bond and their old Hollywood lifestyle.

Overall an enjoyable book, Sellers structured it well by giving us short insights followed by quotes and longer stories.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Malcolm Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whilst it is a reasonable read it does become repetative.The author gives us the cvs of dozens of actors who didn't get the part,including one deluded man who spent thousands of pounds trying to impress the Bond producers.

[John Bleasdale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sellers maintains his usual high quality. Great stuff.