James Brolin Reveals He Almost Played James Bond in 1983’s ‘Octopussy’
Hollywood veteran James Brolin says he was hired to play 007 in ‘Octopussy’ before Roger Moore returned to the role
Veteran Hollywood actor James Brolin has revealed that he was almost cast as James Bond in the 1983 spy thriller ‘Octopussy’, a role that ultimately went to Roger Moore. Brolin, best known for films like The Amityville Horror, Capricorn One, and Westworld, said in a recent interview that he had already started preparing for the role before Moore unexpectedly returned to the franchise.
In a conversation with People magazine, the 84-year-old actor recalled the moment he was approached for the iconic role after Moore had initially stepped away from the film.
“He [Moore] was out, so I flew over and I met all the people. And I got my apartment and I started working with the stuntmen and Cubby Broccoli hired me,” Brolin said.
James Brolin Was Ready to Play Bond
Brolin shared that he had begun training with the stunt team and was all set to begin filming after being unofficially confirmed for the role of 007. But just as he returned to Los Angeles to collect his belongings before moving abroad for the shoot, things changed.
“We hadn’t signed any papers yet. I got back to L.A. to get my stuff because I was going to be gone for a year. And I got a call saying Roger decided to do one more, and I was out,” Brolin said.
Directed by John Glen, Octopussy went on to star Roger Moore alongside Kristina Wayborn and Maud Adams. The film became a global hit and further solidified Moore’s legacy as the British spy.
Brolin Also Turned Down Superman
In the same interview, Brolin reflected on the early confusion around his career after starring in The Amityville Horror, which was a major box office success.
“’Amityville’ was the biggest-grossing independent film of all time, and nobody knew what to do with me, because of the character,” Brolin said.
He even revealed that he was once offered the lead in Superman, but declined it due to creative concerns.
“I got offered Superman and turned it down because I couldn’t see myself being hung up on wires in a big red sock. It just wasn’t the direction I wanted to go.”
While Brolin missed out on two of the most iconic roles in cinema history, his legacy in Hollywood remains firmly intact — spanning five decades, dozens of films, and multiple awards.
