Sean Connery wasn't supposed to be James Bond, says Roger Moore's son

While there have many stars over the years who taken on the role of 007, it's Sean Connery who is perhaps best known for the role of James Bond, having been the first star to portray him. 

Yet the Daily Mail can reveal that the late actor was not the first pick to play the suave spy, with Roger Moore - who was the third star to portray him - the producers' first choice. 

Ultimately, Roger didn't take on the role until the eighth film in the franchise, the 1973 hit Live and Let Die. 

Yet Roger's son, Geoffrey Moore told the Daily Mail this was not the original plan, explaining: 'He was pegged as the first, they had him in mind, but he couldn't get released from his contract with [TV company] ITC.

'[Bond writer Ian] Fleming was a fan of [Roger's show] The Saint and he definitely had him in mind plus he was friends with Cubby and Harry [Bond producers, Albert R. "Cubby" Broccoli and Harry Saltzman]. They used to gamble and go for dinner and stuff.'

Yet while Roger may have missed out on the earlier films, Geoffrey explained it was blessing that his father didn't take on the role until later. 

He shared: 'This is why it's Bond is such a great franchise, because each actor isa reflection of the time.

'And his time was was when it was meant to be, in the early Seventies, when it was a little less chauvinistic.

'Connery is true to the Fleming novel.... but they wrote around Roger because there was no point trying to make him the hard guy like Sean.

'The times had changed and Roger brought aloofness and a little bit more empathy to the character.'

Geoffrey has just had a taste of life as 007, having taken on a role in a spy film of his own, Knightfall. 

He stars as MI5 agent Hugh who must work with his ex-girlfriend Ros (Jeanine Nerissa Sothcott) to avert a homeland security bloodbath. 

It marks Geoffrey's debut as a leading man, which for some would seem a daunting process, but as he explained, growing up around his father taught him the basics from a young age. 

However, it also showed him the pressure it takes once you land the coveted role. 

Asked about the rumours that Geoffrey was once being lined up for Bond himself, he discussed the pros and cons of the role, musing: 'It's good money [but] it demands years.

'They'll sign you to a two or three picture deal if they like it, and you're stuck for five or six years, your career is dedicated to that.

'It's a very demanding schedule and once it's over, you're going to have to promote it for the next six months, so it's year and a half of your life [per film].

'So yes you could get lot of mileage out of "Roger Moore's son is now playing James Bond," that would create a bit of a bit of gossip and spread the word.

'Al those things play with the ego. Realistically, I think I would have been able to but I would have had to spend six months really training. It's a big commitment. Huge.'

Since Daniel Craig left the role in 2021, there have been numerous names thrown into the ring to replace him, from Callum Turner to Jack Lowden to Jacob Elordi. 

While Geoffrey had no preference from the shortlist, saying he trusted producer Barbara Broccoli and Amazon to make the correct call, he did muse: 'I would go back to the beginning. Bond liked to drink and he was a marksman, you know.'

Indeed Bond has evolved since Roger was in the role, and with the character facing criticism for being sexist and misogynistic, there has even been talk of a woman taking on the role. 

Yet Geoffrey has insisted that this isn't the way to save the role, quipping: 'Well, if it's a female Bond, then call her Jemima.' 

Arguing that if fans want a female lead then a separate franchise should be created, he said: 'I mean, it's "James" Bond. Like there's a Superman and there's a Superwoman.' 

While he agreed that women can play spy roles well, pointing out Charlize Theron's 'a**kicking' skills in 2017s Atomic Blonde, he continued: 'I think a female Bond - a 00-whatever should have her own story.'

Stating that women are typically smarter than men, he added: 'Jemima's own story [could be] she's actually smarter and - there'd be a lot more bickering - but less wars and less fighting.

'I think it could be an elegant one.'

Geoffrey can currently be seen in Knightfall, which is available on UK streaming services now and on blu-ray (Miracle Media) from October 26