The iconic secret agent he brought to life as the first actor in the role.
This proclamation came in 1971, shortly after the release of "Diamonds Are Forever," the fourth film in the series. However, Connery's resolve would be tested, and he would eventually find himself returning to the character, a move that would be ironically encapsulated in the title of his later Bond film, "Never Say Never Again" (1986).
The decision to initially step away from the role stemmed from Connery's strategic understanding of his career trajectory. As the allure of James Bond grew, Connery, fearing typecasting, sought to diversify his roles. After the third installment, which ignited 'bondmania,' he perceived a potential pigeonholing effect.
With a desire to explore other roles that captivated him more, Connery decided to assert his terms with the fourth installment, "Thunderball" (Terence Young, 1965), where signs of formulaic exhaustion were evident. Following the fifth film, "You Only Live Twice" (Lewis Gilbert, 1967), he took a bold step by demanding a 25% salary increase to a million dollars, leading to his expulsion from the sixth installment.
Freed from the confines of the spy suit, Connery showcased his versatility in acclaimed films such as Sidney Lumet's "The Hill" (1965), Alfred Hitchcock's "Marnie" (1964), and Irvin Kershner's "A Fine Madness" (1966). During Connery's hiatus from Bond, George Lazenby briefly assumed the role. However, Connery returned with "Diamonds Are Forever" in 1971, demonstrating that his departure from Bond was not permanent.
Nearly 13 years passed before Connery, faced with a series of less successful artistic and commercial choices, acknowledged his error in prematurely declaring the end of the character. His return in "Never Say Never Again," though not as anticipated, marked a departure from the traditional Bond persona. A more human Bond, aging and wearing a toupee, was a departure from the norm. Despite the film's lukewarm reception and box office performance, it served as a definitive farewell for Connery.
Connery, leveraging this turning point, refocused his career, aligning himself with esteemed directors. This strategic move led to one of his most notable roles as William of Baskerville in the adaptation of "The Name of the Rose."
