Hollywood veteran James Brolin recently opened up about a missed opportunity that could have changed the course of his career—he was nearly cast as James Bond in the 1983 spy thriller Octopussy.
James Brolin was offered Bond role after Moore stepped away
Known for films like The Amityville Horror, Westworld, and Capricorn One, Brolin revealed in a conversation with People magazine that he was offered the role of 007 when Roger Moore temporarily stepped away from the project. At the time, Moore had announced he wouldn’t return to play the legendary secret agent, prompting the filmmakers to look for a replacement.
“They flew me over, I met everyone, found an apartment, and began training with the stunt team,” Brolin shared. “Cubby Broccoli [the producer] had hired me.”
Just before signing, Moore came back
But just as things were falling into place for Brolin, the unexpected happened. “I came back to L.A. to pack up because I was supposed to be gone for a year,” the 84-year-old actor recalled. “Then I got a call saying Roger decided to do one more, and I was out.”
Octopussy, directed by John Glen, eventually saw Moore return to the iconic role alongside co-stars Kristina Wayborn and Maud Adams.
He also turned down Superman over creative differences
Brolin also reflected on another major role he passed on—Superman. After starring in the hit horror film The Amityville Horror, Brolin said Hollywood wasn’t sure how to cast him next.
“I got offered Superman and turned it down,” he admitted. “I couldn’t see myself hanging on wires in a big red sock. It wasn’t where I wanted my career to go.”
No favorite roles, just the joy of variety
As a director as well, Brolin has worked on films like My Brother’s War, Royal Hearts, and Royal Reunion. Despite a long and diverse career, the actor says he doesn’t have a specific preference when it comes to roles.
“I don’t have any preferences. They’re varied. It’s hard to say I like a certain kind of thing,” he said.
Though he missed out on Bond and Superman, Brolin’s legacy continues to stand strong with a career spanning over five decades across acting and directing.
