The Wild Screen Test That Earned George Lazenby the Role of James Bond (and Almost Got Him Fired)

The James Bond franchise, which had become a global phenomenon thanks to Sean Connery’s portrayal of the iconic spy, faced a major crossroads in 1967. After the release of You Only Live Twice, Connery announced his departure from the role, leaving the franchise’s future uncertain. The pressures of fame, the relentless pace of production, and his growing dissatisfaction with his treatment led Connery to step away, paving the way for a new actor to step into the legendary tuxedo. The casting of George Lazenby, a virtually unknown Australian model with no acting experience, would prove to be one of the boldest and most unexpected decisions in film history—and one that changed the trajectory of the James Bond series.

The Void Left by Sean Connery

By 1967, Sean Connery had already appeared in five Bond films, with You Only Live Twice being his final official entry as the suave British agent. However, Connery’s frustration with the role—along with the unrelenting press attention and the exhausting production schedule—led him to publicly walk away from the character. This left Albert Broccoli and Harry Saltzman, the producers of the James Bond films, with a significant challenge: who could possibly replace Connery, the actor who had become synonymous with the role?

The producers’ search for a new Bond was extensive, with over 400 actors considered for the role. Among those reportedly in contention were British bad boys Oliver Reed and Terence Stamp, as well as Batman star Adam West. Even Roger Moore was approached, but at that time, he was committed to his TV series The Saint. Despite the list of well-known candidates, Broccoli and Saltzman ultimately decided to take a gamble on someone who was completely unknown to the public: George Lazenby.

Lazenby’s Serendipitous Journey to Bond

Born in Australia in 1939, George Lazenby was far from the typical leading man. A high school dropout who had no interest in acting, Lazenby found success as a male model before being thrust into the world of acting. His chance encounter with an agent led to an audition for a top-secret role—James Bond. Lazenby, whose acting experience was nonexistent, was unaware that he was auditioning for such an iconic role but, undeterred by his lack of formal training, pursued the opportunity with boldness and confidence.

Lazenby’s first major hurdle was his look. The long hair and sideburns he sported as a fashion model were fashionable in the ’60s but didn’t quite match the classic Bond look. Rather than simply getting a standard haircut, Lazenby visited Connery’s personal barber and requested the same cut Connery wore in the films. He then borrowed a suit from Connery’s tailor, ensuring that he would fit the part both physically and stylistically.

The Bluff That Won Him the Role

Lazenby’s journey to becoming James Bond didn’t stop at appearances; his next step was convincing the producers that he had the experience necessary to take on the role. Lazenby bluffing his way into the casting room, claiming to have worked as an actor in Australia—a story he later confessed wasn’t true. The producers were intrigued enough by his confidence to invite him back for a second meeting with director Peter Hunt. When Lazenby admitted that he had no acting experience, Hunt was impressed with his audacity and, seeing something in him, decided to give him a chance.

In an unforgettable moment from the casting process, Hunt reportedly told Lazenby, “Stick to your story, and I’ll make you the next James Bond.” This bold and audacious approach was exactly what the producers were looking for—a new Bond who could bring something fresh to the role.

The Screen Test That Sealed the Deal

Lazenby’s final test before landing the role was a mock fight scene with a stuntman to see if he could convincingly portray a physical altercation. But instead of following the choreography, Lazenby, who had no experience with staged combat, punched the stuntman for real, bloodying his nose and knocking him to the floor. The real punch shocked everyone, but it worked in Lazenby’s favor, demonstrating that he had the raw, unpolished physicality that the role demanded. According to Lazenby, Harry Saltzman then stepped over the injured stuntman and declared, “We’re going with you.”

This unexpected moment of real violence during the screen test cemented Lazenby’s place as the new Bond. His willingness to improvise and take risks stood out, and the producers recognized that this raw energy could bring something new to the character.

The Debut and Impact on the Franchise

Lazenby’s first and only appearance as James Bond came in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969). The film, based on Ian Fleming’s tenth Bond novel, was one of the most emotionally driven and character-focused entries in the series up to that point. The film explored Bond’s personal life in greater depth than previous installments, particularly his relationship with Tracy Draco, whom he marries. Despite Lazenby’s lack of acting experience, his portrayal of Bond was surprisingly nuanced, bringing a vulnerability and emotional depth to the character that was previously unexplored.

However, Lazenby’s time as Bond was short-lived. After one film, he chose not to return for the subsequent Bond movies, citing a desire to avoid being typecast and dissatisfaction with the franchise’s growing reliance on spectacle. Despite his brief tenure, Lazenby’s portrayal of Bond and his bold decision to leave the role left a lasting impact on the series, influencing future interpretations of the character.

Conclusion: A Gamble That Changed Bond Forever

George Lazenby’s casting as James Bond is one of the most unlikely stories in Hollywood history. His bluffing, physicality, and unconventional approach to landing the role brought a fresh energy to the James Bond franchise, influencing future iterations of the character. Lazenby’s decision to leave after one film also shifted the direction of the franchise, paving the way for more nuanced portrayals of the spy in later films.

Lazenby’s impact on James Bond is undeniable. His portrayal of the iconic spy, marked by a blend of vulnerability, emotional depth, and physicality, laid the groundwork for future actors to bring their own unique interpretations to the role. What started as a bold gamble by producers Broccoli and Saltzman ultimately changed the James Bond franchise forever, proving that sometimes, taking a chance on the unknown can lead to an unforgettable legacy.