20 Things You Didn’t Know About You Only Live Twice (1967)

18. O.K. Connery

Sean Connery James Bond You Only Live Twice
MGM/UA

Whilst Double-0 Seven’s briefing with M, supported by Miss Moneypenny (Lois Maxwell), proceeds as usual, albeit onboard MI6's M1 submarine, Sean Connery’s behind-the-scenes relationship with Bernard Lee and Maxwell was frosty at best whilst making this film.

This was because they, along with numerous other actors featured in the Bond franchise, such as Anthony Dawson, Adolfo Celi, and Daniela Bianchi had appeared in the Bond spoof, O.K. Connery (1967) (a.k.a Operation Kid Brother) alongside Connery’s younger sibling, Neil. Sean was not best pleased that they had spoofed his image alongside Neil Connery, even though an unofficial adaptation of Casino Royale had also been released in 1967.

Lois Maxwell defended her actions and those of Bernard Lee, stating that they had only appeared in the Italian Bond spoof for the money.

When Connery announced his resignation as James Bond, O.K. Connery’s producer, Dario Sabatello offered Neil’s services to Harry Saltzman and Cubby Broccoli as Sean's replacement, but the Bond producers declined.

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