Sean Connery, the original James Bond, was almost cast in the 50th anniversary movie Skyfall, but director Sam Mendes decided against it because he thought it would distract audiences. The role of groundskeeper Kincade went to Albert Finney instead.
Why Connery Was Considered for Skyfall
Early in pre-production, Mendes wanted Connery to come out of retirement to play Kincade, a Scottish groundskeeper at the Bond family home. It would have been a tribute to the franchise's 50th anniversary, and Connery, being Scottish, fit the part.
Mendes told the Huffington Post: "There was a definite discussion about [Connery playing Kincade] way, way early on. But I think that’s problematic. Because, to me, it becomes too… it would take you out of the movie. Connery is Bond, and he’s not going to come back as another character. It’s like, he’s been there. So, it was a very brief flirtation with that thought, but it was never going to happen, because I thought it would distract."
Albert Finney Took the Role
Albert Finney, who co-starred with Connery in 1974's Murder on the Orient Express, was cast as Kincade. Finney died in 2019 at age 82, a year before Connery's death at 90.
Daniel Craig said at the time: "I’m deeply saddened by the news of Albert Finney's passing. The world has lost a giant. Wherever Albert is now, I hope there are horses and good company." The horses referenced Finney's love of horse racing.
Bond producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson said: "We are heartbroken at the loss of Albert Finney. It was a privilege to work with him and an honour to have had him as part of our Bond family."
