20 Things You Somehow Missed In Never Say Never Again

20. The Director Was American

When Cary Joji Fukunaga was announced as the new director of Bond 25, even though he became the first American director to helm an official Bond film, he was not the first American director to be involved with the British gentleman spy.

For instance, several American directors helmed the 1954 and 1967 adaptations of Casino Royale, whilst Never Say Never Again was directed by Irvin Kershner.

Kershner is, of course, best known for directing the 1980 Star Wars sequel, The Empire Strikes Back and the 1990 film, RoboCop 2. However, he was appointed because Sean Connery, who held numerous approvals over various aspects of the production, had enjoyed working with Kershner on the 1966 film, A Fine Madness. Their good working relationship meant that, when they were forced to take over a number of the producers' duties alongside the assistant director, David Tomblin, they managed to keep production on track.