James Brolin Recalls Nearly Being Cast as James Bond in “Octopussy ”Before“ ”Roger Moore Changed His Mind (Exclusive)

James Brolin, the renowned actor, recently revealed an intriguing twist of fate from his career in the entertainment industry. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, it was disclosed that Brolin had come incredibly close to filling the iconic role of James Bond in the film ‘Octopussy’. This opportunity arose when Roger Moore, the well-known actor who portrayed James Bond from 1973 to 1985, was contemplating stepping away from the role. Brolin, who was in his early 40s at the time, shared his experience of almost landing the coveted role, only for circumstances to change unexpectedly at the eleventh hour.

Recalling the series of events, Brolin mentioned that he was approached for the role in ‘Octopussy’ after Moore expressed his decision to retire from playing James Bond. Excited about the prospect, Brolin flew over, met with the key individuals involved, and even started preparations for the role, including working with the stunt team. However, just as he was gearing up to embark on this new chapter in his career, he received a surprising call back in Los Angeles. It was informed to him that Moore had a change of heart and decided to return for one more 007 film, subsequently leading to Brolin losing out on the role.

The actor reflected on this period in his career, acknowledging that he was navigating through uncertainties and trying to define his path in the industry. Brolin attributed part of this uncertainty to his portrayal of George Lutz in the original ‘Amityville Horror’, a role that presented unique challenges and left industry insiders unsure of how to cast him in subsequent projects. Despite being offered significant roles such as Superman, Brolin turned them down as he sought more diverse and character-driven opportunities beyond conventional leading man roles.

As his career progressed, Brolin discovered his passion for character acting, finding fulfillment in portraying a diverse range of roles that resonated with him on a deeper level. From embodying historical figures like Ronald Reagan and Clark Gable to delving into complex characters like the one in ‘Amityville Horror’, Brolin found satisfaction in portraying versatile roles that showcased his acting prowess. This shift in focus eventually led him to explore his talents in directing, where he currently has multiple projects in various stages of development across different genres.

Looking back on his journey, Brolin expressed his affinity for directing and highlighted the diversity in his upcoming projects, emphasising his preference for varied storytelling experiences. From his early aspirations of starring in leading man roles to his evolution into character acting and directing, Brolin’s career trajectory exemplifies his commitment to exploring new creative avenues and challenging himself artistically. Despite the missed opportunity to play James Bond in ‘Octopussy’, Brolin’s versatile career showcases his enduring passion for storytelling and the craft of acting.

In conclusion, James Brolin’s anecdote of nearly stepping into the shoes of James Bond offers a glimpse into the unpredictable nature of the entertainment industry and the resilience required to navigate its ever-changing landscape. His journey serves as a testament to the importance of embracing diverse opportunities, honing one’s craft, and remaining open to new avenues for creative expression in a dynamic industry.