Sean Connery’s record-breaking James Bond return deal for Diamonds Are Forever | Films | Entertainment
Lazenby’s agent had persuaded him that the Bond franchise was dying out, with the Aussie even moving away from 007’s clean-shaven image by wearing a fashionable beard and long hair at the premiere. Having lost their new Bond, the producers started contemplating American actors from John Gavin and Clint Eastwood to Adam West and Burt Reynolds. However, the latter three said Bond shouldn’t be played by an American actor.
Next up, future Dumbledore Michael Gambon was considered, but said he was in terrible physical shape. So, in the end, United Artists boss David Picker made it clear that Connery needed to be brought back, saying the money was no object. As a result, the Scottish star was enticed by a then-record $1.25 million salary ($9.5 million today) to return for 1971’s Diamonds Are Forever. And to seal the deal on top of that, United Artists also offered the 40-year-old two back-to-back movies of his choice.
Connery ended up donating his $1.25 million fee to establish the Scottish International Education Trust. The charity could be applied to by Scottish artists in need of funding without having to leave their country to pursue careers.
The first of Connery’s two passion projects was 1973’s The Offence, directed by his friend Sidney Lumet. And the second was set to be William Shakespeare’s Macbeth, starring only Scottish actors and with the former Bond in the title role. However, Connery’s Macbeth was soon abandoned since Roman Polanski’s version was already in production.
Inspired by Goldfinger, the 007 producers brought back director Guy Hamilton and Bond theme singer Shirley Bassey. Diamonds Are Forever was partly set in Las Vegas and was a box office hit making $116 million on a budget of just $7.2 million.
Reviews were positive but the film has since been criticised for its tongue-in-cheek humour and camp style. Broccoli and Saltzman again tried to persuade Connery to return for 1973’s Live and Let Die but the star declined and previous Bond contender Roger Moore was cast.
You may be interested

American Eagle sparks backlash for touting Sydney Sweeney’s ‘great jeans’
new admin - Jul 28, 2025[ad_1] American Eagle’s “great jeans” advertising campaign with actress Sydney Sweeney is at the center of the latest political firestorm…

Del Water Gap Returns With New SIngle ‘How to Live’
new admin - Jul 28, 2025[ad_1] Del Water Gap can’t get out of his own head, an existential maze where he gets lost in old…

Deion Sanders reveals bladder cancer diagnosis but says he’s considered “cancer free” after treatment
new admin - Jul 28, 2025Head Colorado Buffaloes football Coach Deion "Coach Prime" Sanders revealed his bladder cancer diagnosis for the first time on Monday…