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.
9. Liam Neeson
In 'Taken' Liam Neeson may have demonstrated he had the "very particular set of skills" to play Bond, but he turned down an offer to star in Goldeneye, with Pierce Brosnan stepping in instead. It was later revealed that his soon-to-be wife Natasha Richardson said she wouldn't marry him if he took the demanding job. | Getty Images
10. Dominic West
Later to rise to global fame by starring in television series 'The Wire', Dominic West was reportedly offered the starring role in 'Casino Royale' before Daniel Craig. His reason for declining was that he thought Pierce Brosnan wanted to play the spy again and didn't want to stand in his way. | Getty Images
11. Christian Bale
The Bond producers were also keen for future 'Batman' star Christian Bale to step into Bond's shoes for 'Casino Royale'. Sadly the actor though that the character was less than heroic, comparing him to the serial killer he played in 'American Psycho'. | Getty Images