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Sean Connery’s Contentious Bond Return: Behind the Scenes of ‘Never Say Never Again’
Sean Connery’s reprise of James Bond in Never Say Never Again was anticipated as a victorious return, but the production devolved into one of the most arduous and disorganized experiences of his distinguished career. Despite featuring a celebrated cast, a respected director, and considerable excitement from enthusiasts, Connery later described the film as plagued by “incompetence, ineptitude, and dissension,” leaving behind a sour sentiment that persisted well beyond its theatrical release. This James Bond installment, intended to mark a high point, instead became synonymous with behind-the-scenes turmoil.
Connery’s Hesitation and Independent Venture
Prior to his decision to revisit the iconic role, Connery had already embodied 007 six times, culminating in his departure from the official franchise after Diamonds Are Forever in 1971. He had grown weary of the character and the intense public scrutiny, and frequently clashed with franchise producers Albert R. Broccoli and Harry Saltzman. His eventual return for Never Say Never Again came with a significant distinction. This venture was not an Eon Productions James Bond film. It was an independent reimagining of Thunderball, originating from a protracted legal dispute between author Ian Fleming and Irish writer-producer Kevin McClory.
The Genesis of the Remake: Fleming-McClory Dispute
In the late 1950s, McClory collaborated with Fleming and screenwriter Jack Whittingham on an original James Bond screenplay. Fleming subsequently utilized substantial portions of their collaborative work as the foundation for his novel Thunderball, published in 1961, without acknowledging their contributions. McClory initiated legal proceedings and ultimately secured the cinematic rights to the narrative, along with the prerogative to remake it after a stipulated period. He subsequently resolved to revive the story and astounded the film industry by persuading Sean Connery – the original and still widely regarded definitive James Bond – to reassume the role.
Turbulent Production and On-Set Chaos
Connery, disillusioned by his prior encounters with Eon Productions, consented to the project on the stipulation that he would possess substantial creative influence, including script and casting approvals. What was envisioned as a streamlined production – particularly with The Empire Strikes Back director Irvin Kershner at the helm – rapidly descended into disarray.
Connery’s Account of “Incompetence and Dissension”
“There was such a degree of incompetence, ineptitude, and dissension during the production of Never Say Never Again that the entire endeavor was in danger of collapsing. I found myself intervening in virtually every decision. Effectively, the assistant director and I co-produced the film”, Connery stated, highlighting the severity of the production challenges.
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Hands-on Role and Set Tensions
Connery was compelled to adopt a significantly more involved role than initially anticipated, intervening to manage issues ranging from production postponements to conflicts among the cast and crew. Contemporary reports indicated elevated stress levels on set and deficient communication between departments. This absence of unity negatively impacted team morale and efficiency, further complicating the already demanding shoot.
Legal Battles and Release Rivalry
Even prior to the commencement of filming, the project was already mired in legal contention. Eon Productions attempted to obstruct the film’s progress through legal channels, asserting it would negatively impact the official James Bond franchise. However, given McClory’s established rights to the Thunderball narrative and characters, the courts permitted production to proceed. The situation was publicly labeled “The Battle of the Bonds,” as both Never Say Never Again and Eon’s Octopussy, featuring Roger Moore, were released within months of each other in 1983, creating a direct box office confrontation.
Box Office Performance and Critical Reception
Never Say Never Again boasted a larger budget than Octopussy and was presented as a grittier, more grounded interpretation of James Bond. It also showcased a distinguished ensemble cast, including Kim Basinger, Max von Sydow, Klaus Maria Brandauer, and a young Rowan Atkinson. Although it garnered respectable box office returns and generally favorable reviews, it did not surpass Octopussy’s financial success or public endorsement, the latter benefiting from its position within the established James Bond continuity.
Connery’s Final Bond Outing
Connery subsequently confided to film critic Barry Norman that the experience was “precisely the type of Hollywood muddle I detest.” Despite still relishing the opportunity to portray James Bond on screen, the off-camera burdens proved excessively demanding to warrant a further return. Never Say Never Again ultimately represented Sean Connery’s final portrayal of the iconic secret agent, marking the conclusion of an era.