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Liam Neeson as 007
Liam Neeson Almost Played James Bond, But Natasha Richardson Wanted To Get Married Instead
Liam Neeson seems like an obvious choice to play James Bond: He's searing but likable, rugged but dapper -- everything we associate with the likes of Sean Connery and Daniel Craig. So why didn't he ever portray 007? Because Natasha Richardson wanted to get married.
Neeson told the U.K.'s Hull Daily Mail that the late actress, to whom he was married for 15 years before her untimely death in 2009, told him he could either take the role as Bond or they could get hitched. It must have been true love, because Neeson chose the latter.
“It was about 18 or 19 years ago and my wife-to-be said, ‘If you play James Bond we’re not getting married!’ And I had to take that on board, because I did want to marry her," he said.
That time frame would have put him in consideration for 1995's "GoldenEye," the first of four Bond installments that instead starred Pierce Brosnan. Neeson didn't explain exactly why Richardson wasn't okay with them getting married and Neeson playing Bond (men can lean in, too, you know?), but at least it didn't require him to be away from his family for the multiple arcs that Bond actors often devote to the franchise. And we know it didn't harm his career -- he'd just come off an Oscar nomination for "Schindler's List," and he's since become a box office star with roles in "Star Wars," "The Chronicles of Narnia" and the sleeper hit "Taken."
Other actors considered for Bond have included Josh Brolin, Mel Gibson, Sam Neill and Sean Bean.
(hull daily mail)
Not sure If I would have liked it had Brosnan never played 007, but Neeson would have been an interesting choice.
Liam Neeson seems like an obvious choice to play James Bond: He's searing but likable, rugged but dapper -- everything we associate with the likes of Sean Connery and Daniel Craig. So why didn't he ever portray 007? Because Natasha Richardson wanted to get married.
Neeson told the U.K.'s Hull Daily Mail that the late actress, to whom he was married for 15 years before her untimely death in 2009, told him he could either take the role as Bond or they could get hitched. It must have been true love, because Neeson chose the latter.
“It was about 18 or 19 years ago and my wife-to-be said, ‘If you play James Bond we’re not getting married!’ And I had to take that on board, because I did want to marry her," he said.
That time frame would have put him in consideration for 1995's "GoldenEye," the first of four Bond installments that instead starred Pierce Brosnan. Neeson didn't explain exactly why Richardson wasn't okay with them getting married and Neeson playing Bond (men can lean in, too, you know?), but at least it didn't require him to be away from his family for the multiple arcs that Bond actors often devote to the franchise. And we know it didn't harm his career -- he'd just come off an Oscar nomination for "Schindler's List," and he's since become a box office star with roles in "Star Wars," "The Chronicles of Narnia" and the sleeper hit "Taken."
Other actors considered for Bond have included Josh Brolin, Mel Gibson, Sam Neill and Sean Bean.
(hull daily mail)
Not sure If I would have liked it had Brosnan never played 007, but Neeson would have been an interesting choice.
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Comments
http://www.mi6-hq.com/news/index.php?itemid=11280&t=mi6&s=news ;)
But indeed he was once considered for the role.
I don't believe that for a second. Feinnes is just being diplomatic and respectful. In fact, out of all the 6 actors to have been cast as Bond I think Connery is the only one who hasn't criticised, critiqued or questioned his own performances in the role.
Not too keen on Neeson ever appearing as the great iconic character. Just doesn't feel right..
Although Ralph Fiennes is a good shout, and even then, made his way into the franchise in another capacity..
But as others have stated, wouldn't swap with Brosnan for the time of Goldeneye
Not sure If I would have liked it had Brosnan never played 007, but Neeson would have been an interesting choice.[/quote]
I agree with you with that.
Liam Neeson could had play it will great. I remember before LTK he appeared in Clint Eastwood last Dirty Harry Movie Dead Pool. Remember Him in the A-Team. He was rumoured for The Equalizer but never was approached. He rumoured to be contender of the movie version The Professionals where Jason Straham The Transporter/Italian Job but nothing said about that movie yet.
Never say McClory again...he's the reason why OHMSS was not made first instead of YOLT....oh the agony! OHMSS has not had it's closure or justice done for it to this day!
Now, I think he will do just fine as the new "M".
GE would have been better with Dalton and was not a serious film.
GF and TB are somewhat overrated in their humble opinions.
Pierce Brosnan was simply the People's Choice but not a professionally fit choice. Most Bonds are lesser known actors who are undiscovered but talented (Moore and Brosnan fall into the same exception category).
I should speak for myself but I feep that these facts are overlooked by the overhyping media. Then the producers have to put many of their original ideas on hold because they think audiences want a completely formulated film. Craig was supposed to be his own Bond, not a Connery clone.
No scar or glass jaw needed to boost his talent as a villain.
Great trailer! I think if Neeson had have landed the 007 role? I think they would have still chosen the more serious tone that Dalton went down the road with.
Nope,i dont think he would have been right in the first place.