Cary Grant

A favourite of Alfred Hitchcock, Cary Grant was approached at the same time as Clint and Sir Michael but felt his age was in the way of his being able to take the role.

As well as this, he also hoped only to be in one movie, which, given the huge franchise James Bond has become, was likely not an option.

Dana Broccoli, Cubby’s wife, said in a TV documentary: “Cubby knew if he asked Cary to do it, it would be a one-film deal, and then he would have to start all over again, searching for Bond.”

Despite this being an issue, Dana said Cary was their ‘best man’ so this could have been a big blow for the production team.