Josh Brolin’s Missed 007 Moment and the Bond Future

Josh Brolin is widely recognised for his performances as Thanos and Cable, but his career might have taken a very different turn had he not narrowly missed out on playing James Bond in the early 1980s. Reflecting on this pivotal moment, Brolin recounted how he was on the verge of stepping into the shoes of Agent 007 for the film Octopussy, only for Roger Moore to unexpectedly return to the role at the eleventh hour. Brolin described the experience:

[Roger 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. 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.

Had things played out differently, Brolin’s filmography would have included one of the most enduring franchises in cinema, adding another layer to his already impressive body of work.

Bond Aspirations and the Villeneuve Factor

Although Brolin never donned the tuxedo, his portrayal of a young Agent K in Men in Black 3 demonstrated his flair for secret agent roles. This performance has led many to wonder if he would ever consider joining the Bond universe, should the opportunity arise in the present day.

Brolin has made it clear that his interest in the franchise is closely tied to one director in particular. In his own words:

I didn’t even have to read Dune, even though I knew the story, to wanna do it with Denis; Denis is it for me. We have a very close relationship; he’s a stellar filmmaker. I like working with people I like and who are stellar filmmakers. So I have that with him, and I’m fortunate. So wherever Bond goes, it will go.

With Denis Villeneuve now linked to future Bond projects, Brolin’s enthusiasm for a potential collaboration remains undimmed, even if his days as a leading man for the franchise may have passed.

Henry Cavill: The Next 007 Contender?

Attention has now shifted to Henry Cavill, whose combination of physical presence, charisma, and acting range has made him a strong candidate for the role of Bond. Cavill’s performances in films such as Argylle and The Man From U.N.C.L.E. have showcased his ability to embody the qualities associated with the iconic spy.

His turn as Gus March-Phillips in The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare—a character said to have inspired Bond—further highlights his understanding of the source material and the nuances required for the part. Despite not being the frontrunner at present, Cavill’s credentials and near-miss with the role in Casino Royale continue to fuel speculation among fans.

Octopussy: A Bond Classic Revisited

For those interested in revisiting the film that nearly marked a turning point in Brolin’s career, Octopussy remains a notable entry in the Bond canon. Directed by John Glenn and starring Roger Moore, Maud Adams, Louis Jourdan, Kristina Wayborn, and Kabir Bedi, the film achieved a box office return of $67.9 million and holds a mixed critical reception.

Viewers can now find Octopussy available to stream on Amazon Video in the US.