In the early 1980s, the James Bond franchise faced a turning point. Roger Moore, who had defined the suave spy for over a decade, was considering retirement before the production of Octopussy (1983). Seizing the moment, legendary producer Albert “Cubby” Broccoli took a bold and unprecedented step: he traveled to Los Angeles to audition James Brolin, an American actor, potentially making him the first non-British official 007. For a fleeting moment, the iconic spy nearly bore the Stars and Stripes instead of the Union Jack.
While numerous actors—including Sam Neill—were screen-tested, Brolin quickly emerged as a frontrunner. His audition footage, now resurfaced, astonishes fans and historians alike. In a series of tests at Pinewood Studios, Brolin donned the iconic tuxedo and delivered a performance that was “fresh, powerful, yet elegant,” embodying the very essence of Bond. One clip showcases him in a gritty, high-stakes fight choreographed with veteran stuntmen; another highlights his flawless romantic dialogue, revealing a suave American charisma that could have captivated global audiences.
Understanding the importance of voice, Brolin worked with vocal coaches to develop a “mid-Atlantic” accent—a British-adjacent tone that retained his American roots while satisfying producers’ expectations for the character. His screen presence demonstrated that the essence of 007 transcended nationality, blending rugged physicality with sophisticated charm.
Brolin’s near-triumph, however, collided with franchise realities. At the same time, a legal anomaly produced a rival non-EON Bond film, Never Say Never Again, starring Sean Connery. Producers feared placing an untested American against the returning legend would jeopardize the franchise’s credibility. To safeguard the brand, they persuaded Roger Moore to return with a substantial salary increase, leaving Brolin “in the dust” just days before he was set to sign his contract. By then, Brolin had already moved to London and secured an apartment, fully prepared for a year of filming—underscoring how close he truly came.
Though Moore returned, and Octopussy went on to gross over $187 million, Brolin’s screen tests remain a haunting “what if” in cinematic history. His rugged physicality, honed in films like Westworld and The Amityville Horror, combined with his sophisticated demeanor, would have modernized Bond years before Timothy Dalton’s tenure. For one brief moment in 1982, James Bond almost became an American, proving that the character’s appeal lies in charisma, courage, and style—not a passport.
James Brolin may never have officially donned the tuxedo for 007, but his near-miss is one of Hollywood’s most shocking secrets. It serves as a reminder that even the most iconic, tradition-bound franchises can flirt with change—and that sometimes the world almost witnesses history that could have rewritten the rules entirely.