Ready for a Bond twist: James Brolin gearing up for iconic role
In 1983, a surprising twist of fate nearly saw James Brolin step into the iconic role of James Bond. The American actor, then 43 years old, had come close to being the fourth James Bond actor, with the production team leaning heavily towards him as the new agent for the film *Octopussy*.
The unexpected turn of events was triggered by Roger Moore's initial decision to hang up his tuxedo and martini glass after portraying Bond for six films. However, Moore made a dramatic U-turn and decided to don the 007 suit for two more films: *Octopussy* and *A View to a Kill*. This last-minute change of heart marked the end of Brolin's opportunity to become James Bond at that time.
Brolin had already taken significant steps towards the role, meeting with legendary producer Albert "Cubby" Broccoli and other key figures in the production. He had even started working with stuntmen, preparing to take on the action-packed role. Yet, before any official contracts were signed, Brolin received the news that Moore had changed his mind, and the door to Bond's world closed once more.
Reflecting on this phase of his career, Brolin admitted that he was uncertain about his direction at the time and was open to the Bond role. However, Moore's return to the franchise closed that particular door. Brolin returned to Los Angeles to pack his things, his dream of becoming Bond seemingly shattered.
Interestingly, Brolin had previously turned down the offer to play Superman, choosing instead to focus on character roles. His versatility as an actor is evident in his diverse portfolio, which includes portraying Ronald Reagan, Clark Gable, and the family man in *The Amityville Horror*. Despite missing out on the Bond role, Brolin's career has been marked by a string of successful and varied roles.
The James Bond role is once again vacant, and speculation about who will take up the mantle continues. As we look back at Brolin's near miss, we are reminded of the unpredictable nature of the film industry and the many 'what-ifs' that often accompany it.
I'm not going to be a big fan of this unexpected turn of events, when James Brolin, after taking significant steps towards becoming James Bond, had the opportunity closed by Roger Moore's decision to return for another two movies in the movies-and-tv genre of entertainment. Although Brolin missed out on the Bond role, his career in the entertainment world has been marked by a string of successful and varied roles.
