Timothy Dalton was originally considered for the role of James Bond in the late 1960s, after Sir
Sean Connery left the role, following
You Only Live Twice (1967). Dalton was screen-tested by
Albert R. Broccoli for
On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969), but he turned down the part, as he thought he was too young. He was also considered for
Diamonds Are Forever (1971), but turned it down again, still feeling he was too young. He was considered again for the role in
For Your Eyes Only (1981), when for a while, it was unclear whether Sir
Roger Moore would return. However, Dalton declined at that time, as there was no script (or even first draft). Dalton was offered the role again in 1983 for
Octopussy (1983), and yet again in 1985 for
A View to a Kill (1985), but had to decline the role both times due to previous commitments. Dalton was not even the first choice to play Bond in this film, as
Pierce Brosnan was originally slated to star in early development before being let go by the producers at the last minute to finish his television commitments. With Brosnan temporarily out of the picture, Dalton was once again offered the role and this time he accepted.
