How James Brolin Nearly Became James Bond in Octopussy
The facts matter. Here’s what we know so far.
In a revealing discussion with People Magazine, James Brolin disclosed that he came within a hair’s breadth of stepping into James Bond’s shoes for the 1983 installment Octopussy. Long recognized for his Emmy-winning turn on Marcus Welby, M.D., Brolin says producers invited him to Pinewood Studios for screen tests and wardrobe fittings before ultimately passing the torch back to Roger Moore. Brolin’s recollection offers new insight into the notoriously guarded casting process that has defined the Bond franchise for six decades.
Brolin recounted that in late 1981 he received a call from a Bond casting representative who admired his television credentials and growing film presence. According to The Hollywood Reporter, he flew to London, where he tried on one of the iconic tuxedos and filmed a short action sequence against a green-screen backdrop. “They wanted to see how I moved, how I delivered the lines, and how I looked in that suit,” Brolin told People Magazine. “It was surreal. You feel the history folding around you.”
Industry insiders say that at that point Roger Moore’s contract was up for negotiation, and studio executives were weighing whether to extend his tenure or introduce a fresh face. Moore had already headlined seven Bond films by Octopussy, and while his charm remained undiminished, the production team was keen to test new talent. Sources from The Hollywood Reporter suggest that producer Albert R. Broccoli was impressed by Brolin’s charisma but ultimately deemed Moore’s established audience draw more reliable for box office stability.
The Octopussy production timeline also factored into the decision. By spring 1982, Moore agreed to one more outing as 007 after approving a higher salary package and a more international shooting schedule. Broccoli told reporters at the time that continuity was crucial, especially following the darker themes of For Your Eyes Only. Moore’s lighter, more comedic style was viewed as the safest bet to maintain the franchise’s signature blend of espionage and wit.
James Brolin’s near-miss has since become a footnote in Bond lore, but its significance extends beyond trivia. It highlights the delicate balance between star power, studio confidence, and the fan expectations that drive one of cinema’s most enduring series. As Brolin reflects, “It was an incredible honor to be considered, but Roger had earned his place. I was happy to watch him do it.”
While Brolin never donned the Daniel Craig-style Aston Martin sequence, his brush with Bond lore remains one of the most intriguing “what-ifs” in film history. More behind-the-scenes revelations from that era continue to surface, offering fresh angles on how the role of 007 has evolved over time.
Stay tuned for further deep dives into cinema’s untold chapters. More updates will follow as production archives open.
That wraps up today’s analysis.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and People Magazine, The Hollywood Reporter
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
