The Bond Shake-Up: Inside Sean Connery’s Surprising Departure and George Lazenby’s Controversial Debut as 007
Sean Connery’s decision to step away from the James Bond franchise after the release of “You Only Live Twice” in 1967 shocked fans and insiders alike. His departure opened the door for George Lazenby to take on the iconic role in “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service,” a movie that would remain one of the most debated entries in the series.
At the height of Connery’s Bond era, the franchise was a global phenomenon. Connery had portrayed the suave British spy in five consecutive films, starting with “Dr. No” in 1962. By the time “You Only Live Twice” hit theaters, Connery had solidified James Bond as a cultural icon. However, despite the glamour and financial success, Connery grew disillusioned with the role. He reportedly felt stifled by the franchise’s demands and frustrated by the typecasting that came with playing Bond. Connery’s discontent also extended to the pressures of the film industry and the intense scrutiny from fans and media, particularly during the filming of “You Only Live Twice” in Japan.
The relationship between Connery and the producers, Albert R. Broccoli and Harry Saltzman, also became strained. Reports suggest that Connery believed he was underpaid compared to the franchise’s massive earnings and felt a lack of creative freedom. His growing disenchantment with the role was evident in his refusal to participate in promotional events for “You Only Live Twice.” When the time came to consider the next Bond film, Connery decided to part ways with the franchise, making way for a new face to take on the mantle of 007.
Enter George Lazenby, a relative unknown at the time, whose selection as Bond was seen as a bold and risky move by the producers. Lazenby, an Australian model with no prior acting experience, famously secured the role through sheer determination and an elaborate charade. He reportedly wore a Rolex, got a haircut at Connery’s barber, and donned a Savile Row suit to exude Bond’s signature style during his audition. His confidence and striking resemblance to Ian Fleming’s literary Bond impressed the producers, earning him the coveted role.
“On Her Majesty’s Secret Service,” released in 1969, marked a significant departure from previous Bond films. The movie leaned heavily on character development and emotional depth, focusing on Bond’s relationship with Tracy di Vicenzo, played by Diana Rigg. Unlike its predecessors, this installment showed a more vulnerable side of Bond, culminating in a tragic ending that diverged from the franchise’s usual formula. While the film has since gained a cult following and is praised for its fidelity to Fleming’s novel, it received mixed reviews upon release. Much of the criticism centered on Lazenby’s performance, which many felt lacked the charisma and gravitas Connery had brought to the role.
Behind the scenes, Lazenby’s tenure as Bond was equally turbulent. His lack of acting experience showed at times, and he struggled with the intense scrutiny that came with playing one of cinema’s most iconic characters. Moreover, Lazenby’s relationship with the producers and cast members reportedly soured during filming. Perhaps most surprising, Lazenby announced before the film’s release that he would not return for another Bond movie. His decision, influenced by his agent’s advice and a belief that the Bond franchise was becoming outdated in the countercultural climate of the late 1960s, left the series in an uncertain position.
The producers ultimately lured Sean Connery back for the next installment, “Diamonds Are Forever” (1971), with an unprecedented salary. Connery’s brief return solidified his place as the definitive Bond for many fans, but it also underscored the challenges of finding a replacement who could match his appeal.
Connery’s initial departure and Lazenby’s brief stint as Bond highlight a pivotal moment in the franchise’s history. It was a period marked by risk-taking, creative experimentation, and the growing pains of a series striving to adapt to a rapidly changing world. While Connery’s reasons for stepping away from Bond were rooted in personal and professional frustrations, his exit set the stage for one of the most unique chapters in 007’s cinematic legacy.
The enduring fascination with this era of Bond underscores the complexity of maintaining a beloved franchise while balancing the ambitions and challenges of its leading stars. Connery’s departure after “You Only Live Twice” wasn’t just a turning point for James Bond; it redefined the relationship between actors and blockbuster franchises.
