Boyd was the original choice to play James Bond.

Noel Coward turned down the role of Dr. No.

Cary Grant was considered for the role of James Bond.

Producers wanted Audrey Hepburn to play the Bond girl "Honey Rider", but the studio wanted an unknown actress for the role.

Richard Johnson was considered for the role of Bond - some sources say he even auditioned but turned it down due to the requirement of signing a three picture deal.

Was scheduled to play James Bond 007 in a 1958 TV adaptation of From Russia with Love, which was ultimately never produced. Later, despite being in his 50s, Mason was a contender to play Bond in Dr. No.

Patrick McGoohan turned down the role of James Bond in the first Bond film, principly because he didn't like the character, who he felt to be an unlikeable, immoral bully. Years later, he was offered the part again, but turned it down.

Ian Fleming wanted him to play James Bond but he was contracted to making the Saint, so could not play the role. Cubby Broccolli (the Director) also felt he was not enough of a 'he-man' to play the role.

Steve Reeves the body builder was offered the role of James Bond for $100,000 but turned it down because he was making $250,000 for his Hercules films.