Sean Connery, star of the unofficial James Bond film Never Say Never Again (1983), had a plan for a humorous cameo featuring fellow 007 actor Roger Moore in the movie's final scene. The idea, however, was ultimately rejected by the film's director and producers.
Background of the Unofficial Bond Film
Producer Kevin McClory, who held the rights to Thunderball after a long legal battle, set about making his unofficial remake with 1983's Never Say Never Again. At that point, Sean Connery had played James Bond six times. He had been paid a then-record $1.25 million plus two films of his choice to return for 1971's Diamonds Are Forever, after one-time 007 George Lazenby quit the role.
This time around, the 52-year-old Scot negotiated a whopping $3 million, a percentage of the profits, plus casting and script approval.
Title Origin and Fellow Bond Actors
The story goes that Never Say Never Again was a reference to Connery's declaration that he would never play Bond again after Diamonds Are Forever. Following his casting in the new film, his wife said to him what would become the title.
Interestingly, both his fellow Bonds, George Lazenby and Roger Moore, almost featured in the unofficial film. The Australian model was originally considered to star as 007 once again by McClory; however, he was dropped from consideration after the original Bond himself was interested.
Connery's Proposed Final Scene
As for Roger's inclusion, that was actually an amusing idea of Connery's himself. Roger's official Bond movie, Octopussy, his sixth of seven, was released in 1983 alongside Never Say Never Again. Despite the rivalry between EON's producer Cubby Broccoli and McClory, both 007 stars were good friends.
Never Say Never Again concluded with Connery breaking the fourth wall and winking at the camera. However, he had an alternative idea for the final scene involving his pal and fellow Bond Roger. This would have seen the Scottish star walking down the street and a man brushing by causing him to double-take and look back. The camera angle would have shifted, revealing Roger, who would have turned to look and then say: “NEVER say never again!”
Despite their friendship and both being willing to shoot this scene, they were unable to convince the film's director, Irvin Kershner, and the producers.
