Never Again -james Bond 007- [hot] | Never Say
By 1983, McClory’s project had materialized into Never Say Never Again , financed by Producer Jack Schwartzman’s Taliafilm and directed by Irvin Kershner (fresh off the massive success of The Empire Strikes Back ). In an extraordinary twist of Hollywood fate, the film was released in the exact same year as Eon Productions' official Bond entry, Octopussy , starring Roger Moore.
: A semi-retired James Bond returns to active duty to retrieve two stolen nuclear warheads from the criminal organization Sean Connery as James Bond. Klaus Maria Brandauer as the villain Maximilian Largo. Kim Basinger as Domino Petachi. Barbara Carrera as the lethal Fatima Blush. Max von Sydow as Ernst Stavro Blofeld. Notable Absence : Due to legal restrictions, the film lacks the iconic gun barrel opening
, the "James Bond Theme" by Monty Norman, and other hallmark Eon elements. Soundtrack and Media
Today, the film stands as a fascinating historical anomaly. It serves as a compelling "what-if" scenario brought to life, offering fans a final, bittersweet opportunity to see Sean Connery play the definitive secret agent with the wit, grace, and edge of an older, wiser performer. Share public link
Produced by Jack Schwartzman and executive produced by Kevin McClory under Taliafilm. Never Say Never Again -James Bond 007-
Released in 1983, this James Bond 007 vehicle is not just another entry in the official canon. It is the other Bond film. Produced outside the traditional control of Albert R. Broccoli’s EON Productions, it marked the triumphant return of the original James Bond, , after a 12-year absence. But to understand the chaotic energy, the salty dialogue, and the unique legacy of Never Say Never Again , you have to look beyond the screen and into the boardroom, the courtroom, and the ego of the man who started it all.
Watching Never Say Never Again today can feel like entering a twilight zone for Bond fans. Because of the legal restrictions, several pillars of the franchise are jarringly absent:
But money talks. It was reported that McClory offered Connery a then-astronomical $5 million plus a percentage of the profits to return. The title became a playful jab at Connery’s own earlier convictions. It’s a rare instance of a film’s title being a meta-joke, acknowledging the very circumstances that brought the project to life. It's a promise made to be broken, all for a hefty paycheck.
This public link is valid for 7 days and shares a thread, including any personal information you added. This link or copies made by others cannot be deleted. If you share with third parties, their policies apply. Can’t copy the link right now. Try again later. By 1983, McClory’s project had materialized into Never
Produced on a $36 million budget, it grossed approximately $160 million worldwide.
Because McClory’s legal rights were strictly limited to the narrative framework of the Thunderball script, Never Say Never Again is fundamentally a remake, though updated for an 1980s audience. The Plot Update
To continue exploring this topic, let me know if you would like me to analyze the between Connery and the producers, contrast the gadgets used in both 1983 films , or detail how MGM finally consolidated the rights to the entire Bond catalog. Share public link
The film is generally considered to have a different "tone" from the Eon films, often described as more of a 1980s action thriller than a traditional British spy caper. 5. Legacy and Reception Klaus Maria Brandauer as the villain Maximilian Largo
The year 1983 stands as a unique anomaly in cinematic history, hosting a box-office battle colloquially known as the "Battle of the Bonds." In one corner stood Octopussy , the official fourteenth installment of the Eon Productions franchise starring Roger Moore. In the other stood Never Say Never Again , an unorthodox, non-Eon James Bond film that marked the miraculous return of Sean Connery to the role that made him a global icon.
: The classic Monty Norman/John Barry musical theme was off-limits, forcing composer Michel Legrand to craft a completely different, jazz-infused score.
A scene-by-scene comparison between and Never Say Never Again (1983) .