25 Mind-Blowing James Bond Facts You Need To Know
22. The Creator Of James Bond Didn't Want Sean Connery In The Role
When Dr. No was greenlit, the producers tried to find the perfect actor to play the lead character. Bond creator, Ian Fleming, wanted David Niven but the producers were won over by Sean Connery after seeing him in the Disney film, Darby O' Gill and the Little People.
Fleming found this casting choice preposterous, because James Bond speaks in an English accent. Connery, on the other hand, couldn't get rid of his thick Scottish accent to save his life.
Bond is described in the novels as having dark thick hair. However, Connery has been bald since he was 22. (You can see him adjust his toupee in the DVD extras of the Bond films). Fleming couldn't see how a balding Scotsman was going to play this suave, charming British agent.
The producers ignored Fleming's protests and set up a meeting with Connery. After leaving, the producers looked at Connery walking to his car and liked how he appeared rugged but moved gracefully “like a panther". It was in that moment where they knew he was perfect for the role.
When Fleming saw Dr. No, he admitted that Connery was brilliant. He loved his portrayal of the character so much that he made Bond’s father Scottish as a reference to Connery’s heritage.
Unfortunately, Fleming thought the film itself was "Dreadful. Simply dreadful."