The Bond Film Sean Connery Called ‘Hollywood Mess’—You Won’t Believe What Happened On Set

Sean Connery, the legendary actor best known for his portrayal of James Bond, had a career that spanned decades and covered a variety of genres. Despite his remarkable success, not all of Connery’s film experiences were positive. One film, in particular, stands out as one that Connery deeply disliked—Never Say Never Again (1983).

While Connery’s career was mostly defined by his suave performances in Bond films, his return to the iconic role in Never Say Never Again after a 12-year hiatus marked a significant departure from the smooth, glamorous productions of the past. The film, which was a legally complicated remake of Thunderball, was riddled with production issues that left Connery disillusioned with the entire experience.

The Chaotic Production of Never Say Never Again

Never Say Never Again was not part of the official Bond franchise, as it was produced by a rival company due to a legal dispute with producer Kevin McClory. The film marked Connery’s return to the role of James Bond after Diamonds Are Forever in 1971, and he was brought back to star in the film following a lengthy break from the franchise. Directed by Irvin Kershner, known for his work on The Empire Strikes Back, the production quickly descended into chaos.

Connery was vocal about the poor conditions on set, with issues of incompetence, ineptitude, and a lack of coordination among the crew. In an interview with film critic Barry Norman, Connery expressed his dissatisfaction, describing the film as “just the kind of Hollywood mess that I abhor.” His frustrations with the production process were evident, as he had to step in as a de facto producer, trying to manage delays and disputes that occurred regularly. This hands-on involvement in the behind-the-scenes troubles likely soured his overall experience with the film.

The film’s production was not only troubled by logistical problems but also by interpersonal conflicts. Connery himself had expressed his frustration with the situation, with tensions running high between the cast and crew. These difficulties may have compounded his negative feelings about the film, making it an unpleasant chapter in his career, especially considering it was his final appearance as Bond.

The Last Bond Film for Connery

Never Say Never Again marked Connery’s final portrayal of James Bond, a role he had made famous in Dr. No (1962) and that would go on to be played by other actors in the official series. Despite the film’s mixed reception, Connery’s return to the character after such a long break could have been a moment of celebration for fans. However, due to the tumultuous production, it was instead a lackluster finale to his Bond legacy.

Connery’s dissatisfaction with the film was not just about the production chaos—it was also a reflection of his feelings about returning to the role in such a fragmented, unglamorous manner. The messy behind-the-scenes environment likely played a large part in his negative view of the film, making Never Say Never Again a unique example in his career where an actor’s personal experiences on set overshadowed the final product.

Other Disliked Films?

While Connery had a diverse career spanning a wide range of roles, no other films stand out in the public domain as having received similar disapproval from the actor. Other search results, including interviews and rankings of his best work, didn’t point to any other instances where Connery explicitly expressed dislike for a particular film. His experience with Never Say Never Again appears to be a singular case.

Conclusion

Based on available information, Sean Connery’s personal dislike for Never Say Never Again is the clearest example of a film he had a negative experience with. The chaotic production, the high tensions on set, and his personal involvement in managing those issues all contributed to his frustration with the film. While critics may have differing opinions on the film’s quality, Connery’s discontent with his final Bond outing remains one of the few instances where the actor openly expressed disdain for his work. For fans and critics alike, Never Say Never Again will always be remembered not just for its place in Bond history, but also for the turbulent experience that marked Connery’s return to the iconic role.