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In 1985, Roger Moore, then 58, concluded his legendary run as James Bond with his seventh film in the franchise. Recognizing the need for fresh energy, producer Cubby Broccoli sought a younger actor to carry on the iconic role for the upcoming 1987 film, The Living Daylights.
While Timothy Dalton ultimately secured the part, many may be surprised to learn that Jurassic Park star Sam Neill was also in contention. The New Zealand-born actor, who would have followed in the footsteps of Australian George Lazenby-Bond in 1969’s On Her Majesty’s Secret Service-revealed that auditioning for Bond was a difficult experience he was glad to avoid.
Speaking on Lorraine in 2023, Neill described the ordeal candidly: “Some of the things I catalog in the book are some of the worst things to happen to me, and having to audition for James Bond.” He explained that his agent pushed him into it, saying, “Darling, you’re going to Pinewood and that’s it.” Neill admitted he never truly wanted the role, knowing the challenges of being a Bond that audiences might not embrace.
He also expressed support for his friend Pierce Brosnan, who was eager for the role at the time. “I wanted Pierce to do it. So I did this ridiculous audition, and it was excruciating,” Neill recalled.
Fans will know that Brosnan eventually became Bond in 1995’s GoldenEye, but he was originally poised to play the spy nearly a decade earlier. Unfortunately, his commitment to the television series Remington Steele prevented him from taking the role in The Living Daylights, which instead went to Dalton. Dalton reprised the character in 1989’s License to Kill, but a legal dispute between EON Productions and MGM halted further films until 1993.
When the franchise resumed, Broccoli invited Dalton back for GoldenEye, but the actor was only willing to sign on for one more film-a commitment the producer found insufficient after the lengthy break. As a result, the role returned to Brosnan.
The news comes amid the sad announcement of Sam Neill’s passing. His family shared in a heartfelt statement that Neill died on Monday, July 13, in Sydney, surrounded by loved ones.
They described his passing as sudden and unexpected, though he remained cancer-free. The family expressed deep gratitude to the staff at St Vincent’s Private Hospital for their care and requested privacy as they mourn their loss.
Sam Neill’s remarkable career and candid reflections on his near-miss with James Bond remind us of the unpredictable paths in show business-and the enduring legacy he leaves behind.