MGM
Having been around for 63 years, the James Bond franchise has seen its fair share of ups and downs. Yet, it has successfully evolved with changing trends, whilst maintaining its classic charm. Each film offers thrilling action scenes filled with impressive stunts, new gadgets, and breathtaking locations. Additionally, Bond is often paired with a female character who matches him in combat skills, a reflection of more progressive times.
The franchise also boasts a sense of continuity with its actors, starting with Sean Connery and including beloved characters such as Bernard Lee’s M, Lois Maxwell’s Miss Moneypenny, and Desmond Llewelyn’s Q. When these actors bid farewell to their roles, fans often grew attached to their successors. There’s a certain charm to 007’s regular rotation of familiar characters. While they may not always play a significant part in the plot, their presence is integral to Bond’s world.
Interestingly enough, there are two actors who have played remarkably different roles in the franchise. In one film, they were allies to Bond, while in another, they were determined to kill him. This dual casting is intriguing, especially since these actors are not particularly known for their versatility in roles.
Charles Gray: From MI6 Colleague to Blofeld
MGM
Charles Gray began his successful acting career as Dikko Henderson, an MI6 agent based in Tokyo, in the fifth Bond film, “You Only Live Twice” (1967). Given his reputation as a typically stiff and formal character actor, audiences were pleasantly surprised by his portrayal of a more amiable character. However, throughout the film, viewers are left questioning the extent to which Bond can trust his colleague.
For those who watched the Bond films out of sequence and saw “Diamonds Are Forever” (1971) first, Gray’s role as Blofeld, Bond’s nemesis, comes as quite a shock. Despite this, Gray’s performance as Blofeld in the film is effective enough to keep viewers on edge in subsequent viewings.
Joe Don Baker: From Villainous Arms Dealer to Reliable CIA Contact
MGM
Joe Don Baker, known for his tough-guy roles in American cinema, was an unexpected yet fitting choice for the role of arms dealer Brad Whitaker in “The Living Daylights,” Timothy Dalton’s first Bond movie. Even though the Bond franchise had been criticized for introducing a southern character before (Clifton James’ Sheriff J.W. Pepper), Baker’s menacing portrayal of Whitaker was well-received.
Baker’s excellent performance as Whitaker made it surprising to see him play the role of the trustworthy CIA agent Jack Wade in “GoldenEye”(1995). Despite the contrast in roles, Baker seamlessly transitioned from villain to hero and was even brought back for the sequel, “Tomorrow Never Dies.” Despite his fame for playing rugged Southern characters, Baker managed to bring class and charm to the Bond franchise.
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