10 WORST Actor Replacements In Movies

One of the most scandalous actor replacements of all time came in the late '60s when, after an era-defining run as British superspy James Bond, Sean Connery stepped down, leaving producers Albert R. Broccoli and Harry Saltzman in the lurch, struggling to find a suitable replacement.

Rather than the straightforward replace-and-reboot formula we are used to seeing now, this first change of guard for 007 was guided by an attempt to retain the exact same character and provide direct continuity with the existing films, as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened. While Australian model George Lazenby had no acting experience, he did bear more than a passing resemblance to Connery, and on this basis made it his mission to ingratiate himself with the producers.

And it worked! Through persistence and the chance acquisition of one of Connery's own Savile Row suits, Lazenby dressed for the job he wanted, and he got it. But neither clothes nor manners maketh an actor, and his lack of talent came through loud and clear once he was on film - but by then it was too late.

What George Lazenby possessed in terms of physical presence, he lacked in charisma and skill, failing to make the part his own and coming off as a cheap imitation of his mighty Scottish forebearer.