9. Cary Grant, Hugh Jackman And Ewan McGregor Didn't Want To Be Tied Down By James Bond
The list of people who were almost Bond is never-ending. Bond producer Albert Broccoli was keen to get film icon Cary Grant (the best man at his wedding) in the suave suits of 007 way back in 1961, when the production of the first ever James Bond movie, Dr. No, began. But Grant wasnt willing to sacrifice the necessary time to make multiple movies as Ian Flemmings super spy. He was only interested in doing one film, while the producers and writers were already plotting a larger story to span several cinematic outings. Grant moved on to make four more films before retiring from acting to focus on his family life in 1966. Connery became Bond and ended up making 007 movies until 1971s Diamonds Are Forever, so it seems that Grant made the right call by opting not to tie himself down to the spy series. Decades later, when it became clear Pierce Brosnan wouldnt be returning to James Bond after 2002s Die Another Day, Hugh Jackman and Ewan McGregor were both in contention to take the role. Judging by quotes from both of them, it sounds like neither of them wanted to make the personal sacrifice of potentially typecasting themselves further down the road. Taking a leaf out of Grants book, Jackman didnt want to be boxed in by Bond and went on to make Les Misérables, Chappie and Prisoners instead, alongside his Wolverine commitments. McGregor similarly didnt want his horizons to be narrow". Interestingly, both actors could back in contention for the role once Daniel Craig departs the franchise.