Sean Connery Returns to Play James Bond on Today’s History, September 27 1982

The action of Connery Connery driving Aston Martin's sports car while playing the character of British secret agent 007, James Bond. (Wikimedia Commons)

JAKARTA – Today's history, 41 years ago, September 27, 1982, shooting for the British secret agent James Bond film entitled Never Say Never Again began. This film was so special for Sean Connery. The veteran actor finally returned to playing James Bond after a 12-year hiatus.

Previously, Connery was predicted to be one of the actors who could bring glory to the James Bond films. Connery's acting was able to amaze many people. Because of this, films entitled Agent 007 often make big profits and are greeted with great fanfare.

The struggle towards success is not easy. Connery had felt it. The Scottish former amateur bodybuilder started his acting career from the bottom. He started as an extra and was able to appear regularly on the small screen.

His face appeared in many British films in the 1950s. The narrative increased Connery's popularity. Many film producers were attracted to Connery's actions. Then his name became a strong candidate to play the film's British secret agent, James Bond.

In fact, Connery's path to playing agent 007 was not easy. The author of the James Bond novels, Ian Fleming, did not show much interest in Connery. The book's owner considered Connery less competent in playing the character he created.

Sean Connery in the first James Bond film he starred in in 1962, Dr. No with co-star Ursula Andress on the set of Laughing Waters beach, Jamaica. (shotebys.com)

Instead of being the main actor, Connery was considered more suitable to play a role as a substitute. Ian Fleming's views were opposed by many parties. Connery was considered suitable to play Agent 007 because of Connery's brave charisma.

The results are brilliant. Connery managed to stand out in his first film, Dr. No (1962). This success also broke Fleming's views. The writer was finally attracted and chose Connery to play another James Bond film.

These include From Russia with Love (1963), Goldfinger (1964), Thunderball (1965), You Only Live Twice (1967), and Diamonds Are Forever (1971). Since then, the names Connery and James Bond have become two things that are difficult to let go of. Connery also set high standards for the next James Bond actor.

“I was told that Ian Fleming (who was initially against casting the actor) had become so impressed with Connery. Fleming even changed the background of James Bond in his future novels, to include Connery's Scottish background.”

“Connery would go on to say that this was Fleming's favorite James Bond of them all, and I think many fans would probably agree with Fleming. Over nearly 60 years, it has actually held up well,” explains Brad Gilmore in the book Bond, James Bond (2021).

Sean Connery with Kim Basinger in the last James Bond film he starred in, Never Say Never Again in 1982 and released in 1983. (m.imdb.com)

Connery also became famous for playing six James Bond films. However, this role actually made him a little bored. The focus also began to change. He tried to take a break. He then chose to take a break from playing James Bond.

Connery was on hiatus for 12 years. Finally, Connery chose to return to his final James Bond film, Never Say Never Again. The first shooting of the film took place on the French Riviera, France on September 27 1982. The film was also shot to mark the end of Connery's journey as James Bond.

“For the seventh time, after a 12-year absence, Connery returned to his role as James Bond, secret agent 007. Even though he was getting old, he was still dashing. Just, not as agile as before. During training to infiltrate an enemy base, Bond is seriously injured. If conditions are that bad, how can Commander Bond save the civilized world from destruction?”

“That's what made M, the figure behind the operation, angry. "At the same time the leaders (one of whom looked like PM Margaret Thatcher, the other like Defense Minister Caspar Weinberger) almost panicked, because two US nuclear-tipped cruise missiles were lost and stolen by the Specter secret gang," wrote a Tempo Magazine report entitled 'The Conquerors of Beautiful Women' (1983).