It has been over three years since the release of Daniel Craig’s final outing as James Bond in ‘No Time To Die’ - with the actor confirming that he was quitting his martinis, shaken not stirred.
Since then there has been no letup in the speculation over who will succeed him in one of the world’s biggest film franchaises, following in the footsteps of Sean Connery, David Niven, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, and Pierce Brosnan - as well as Craig himself.
But history tells us that the first person to be offered the job doesn’t necessarily end up pulling on the tuxedo. Even Sean Connery wasn’t the producers’ first - or second - choice to play the British spy in first movie ‘Dr No’.
The actors who have turned down the role include some of the biggest names in cinema, who would no doubt have taken the franchaise in a very different direction.
So, here are 11 stars who turned down the chance to play 007 - and why they made the decision.
5. Adam West
Famous for playing Batman in the original television series, American actor Adam West was one of several who turned down the chance to play Bond because he thought it should go to a British actor. The role in 'On Her Majesty's Secret Service' went to Aussie model George Lazenby instead. | Getty Images
6. Clint Eastwood
Sean Connery returned to play Britain's most famous spy in 'Diamonds Are Forever', but not until several big names turned down the job. One of those was Clint Eastwood, who just didn't think an American could do the role justice. | AFP via Getty Images
7. Burt Reynolds
The producers seemed quite keen to bag American film royalty for 'Diamonds Are Forever', also offering it to 'Smokey and the Bandit' star Burt Reynolds. He also thought the part should go to a Brit. | Getty Images
8. Michael Gambon
Three-time Olivier Award-winning English actor Michael Gambon was also a candidate for 'Diamonds Are Forever' but apparently thought he was not handsome enough to play the notoriously-irrestible character. | Graham Wiltshire